In response to concerning developments within the Netherlands’ gambling industry, Mayor Franc Weerwind has taken proactive steps to address the issue before the expected evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act in 2024.
Weerwind’s recent announcement outlines several measures aimed at promoting responsible gambling and player protection.
One of the key provisions of these measures is the requirement for gambling providers to contact players who have set a deposit limit of €350.
This communication will serve to educate players about the risks associated with high-stakes gambling, emphasizing the importance of responsible gaming practices.
Additionally, Weerwind’s proposal includes displaying financial amounts in euros, promoting transparency, and calling for further research into overarching gaming limits.
This initiative builds upon Weerwind’s earlier efforts, such as the digital resilience campaign announced in October, which aims to combat fraud associated with online gambling.
In his letter, Weerwind expressed the need for responsible gaming to prevent it from turning into problematic gambling.
He highlighted research showing that providers often encourage players to bet more than they can afford to lose.
By implementing these measures, providers will be compelled to intervene earlier, granting players more control over their gaming behavior and offering enhanced protection against excessive gambling and addiction.
However, Peter-Paul de Goeij, Chairman of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), raised concerns that these measures might make legal gambling less attractive to consumers.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between ensuring safe gambling practices and preserving the appeal of legal gambling options.
De Goeij welcomed the clarification of rules for safe gambling but expressed the need to examine the proposal closely to achieve the desired effects.
Similarly, Helma Lodders, Chairman of the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK), called for a careful examination of whether the proposed measures effectively reduce problem gambling and ensure that legal gambling remains attractive to responsible players.
Lodders highlighted the importance of preventing players from turning to illegal gambling alternatives.
In parallel, the Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA) has initiated a consultation process for updated Responsible Gaming Policy Rules.
These new rules mandate providers to recognize and address signs of excessive gambling within an hour and contact players making net deposits exceeding €700 in a calendar month, with stricter limits for younger players.
The updated rules also include restrictions on role models glamourizing gambling and a ban on untargeted advertising.
The KSA aims to publish these new rules in April after considering input from stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of protecting players from the potential harm associated with insufficient operator care.