Dutch MPs Call for Ban on Gambling Ads to Combat Addiction
Lawmakers in the Netherlands are advancing plans to combat the growing issue of online gambling addiction by proposing a complete ban on advertising.
Politicians attending Dutch parliament meeting. Dutch lawmakers push for tougher online gambling regulations.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Surge in Online Gambling Since Legalization
The push, led by the Socialist Party (SP) and ChristenUnie, is the result of frustration with the government’s delay in introducing stricter measures. Recent studies have revealed a large increase in online gambling since its legalization in 2021. ChristenUnie leader Mirjam Bikker described the findings as “shocking”, adding, “We have been naive and did not realize that thanks to mobile phones, you take your slot machine with you everywhere you go.”
The proposed legislation aims to ban all forms of gambling advertising, set deposit limits, prohibit credit card payments for gambling, and require companies to allocate more of their profits toward addiction treatment programs.
Parliament has generally supported motions to address online gambling, though the timing of the upcoming debate on this proposal remains uncertain.
More Regulation News
Government Research Shows Addiction Rates Rising
Earlier in November, the government’s research agency, WODC, reported that the 2021 law allowing licensed online gambling in the Netherlands has fueled addiction rates, particularly among young adults, and urgently requires reform.
In January, a national addiction watchdog warned that tens of thousands of people have faced financial hardship due to the way online gambling was legalized.
Initially, the Dutch government justified legalization as a way to regulate the market and protect citizens who were otherwise gambling on unlicensed foreign platforms. However, a series of reports has shown how this decision backfired, leading to a sharp rise in gambling addiction and debt accumulation.
Currently, 27 companies operating under 37 brand labels hold licenses to offer gambling services in the Netherlands.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Dutch MPs Call for Ban on Gambling Ads to Combat Addiction