Dutch Representatives Approve Online Slot Ban and Advertising Restrictions

Dutch lawmakers have voted to ban online slot machines and put limits on gambling ads.

The Netherlands has made its gambling regulations stricter.

Dutch lawmakers recently voted to limit gambling. They want to stop online slot games and ads that specifically try to get people to gamble, because this kind of gaming can be very risky.

Key Decisions Taken

• Online slots banned due to their "very high risk" nature.
• All forms of online advertising prohibited, with a focus on targeted ads.
• Mandatory financial risk checks to be introduced for all gamblers.
• Players to show identification to verify their details.
• 10 out of 14 gambling-related motions accepted by MPs.

Earlier Attempt to Prohibit Ads Lacked Support

In February 2024, an attempt to stop gambling ads failed because not enough people agreed with it. But when MP Michiel van Nispen from the Socialist Party brought the idea up again, it just barely got enough votes to pass.

Advertising without a specific audience in mind has already been prohibited.

Starting July 1, 2023, companies cannot advertise gambling on radio, TV, billboards, or in newspapers. Any gambling ads that sponsor sports teams are also not allowed, but current deals can continue for a short time until they end.

Review in Progress by the Minister

Even though people voted for it, the new rules to limit online slot games won't be put into effect until Minister Franc Weerwind, who is in charge of legal protection, checks and agrees to them. While Minister Weerwind supports gambling safely, he hasn't been in favor of strong actions such as these bans before.

Efforts to Protect Players

The minister has already taken steps like making sure gambling companies watch customers who want to bet a lot of money and teach them about the dangers. He also wants people to study the idea of limiting how much everyone can gamble.

The Danger of Illegal Trade Making a Comeback

Some people think banning websites with slot machine games could lead to more people gambling in illegal, underground places, which would mean the government gets less money. Reports from the Dutch Gaming Authority reveal that a big part of the money gambling sites make is from online casinos.

Reviewing Germany's Excessive Rules

Many people in Germany are gambling on websites without licenses, which means the government is not collecting taxes from these games. In the Netherlands, though, most gamblers use websites that have the government's approval, which has been more successful than Germany's approach in dealing with illegal gambling sites.

Effects on Businesses Subject to Regulations

If the government stops people from gambling legally, many might start gambling on websites that are not allowed. This is a problem because the plan was to make sure most people who gamble online did so using sites that follow the law.

The Dutch lawmakers have decided to stop online gambling because they're worried it could hurt people. We'll see what changes when Minister Weerwind looks into it and it becomes law.