Interactive

The Netherlands Online Gambling Association slams proposed advertising ban

By Phil - 18 April 2024

The Netherlands Online Gambling Association has slammed a majority vote in the House of Representatives to support a ban online advertising for online gambling as ‘ill-considered and irresponsible.’

At the end of this year, the Ministry of Justice and Security will evaluate the Online Gambling Act. NOGA, the Dutch trade association of online gambling providers, has made an urgent appeal to Minister Weerwind for Legal Protection not to make irreversible decisions.

NOGA Director Peter-Paul de Goeij said: “The House of Representatives is trying to force a decision based on wrong figures, assumptions and unrealistic fears. There really isn’t enough hard data to make sensible decisions at the moment, which is why a lot of research is being done right now. Let us wait for those results and then have a substantive discussion and take decisions that will protect online players as much as possible from problem gambling and gambling addiction.”

NOGA emphasised that due to a ban on online advertising, players would no longer know whether they are playing at a legal provider or an illegal casino. And those illegal, often criminal casinos do not offer players any protection against gambling addiction.

It highlighted that the goal of the legalisation of online gambling was and is precisely that; for players try their luck in a safe and responsible online environment, at licensed companies where the protection of all players is the highest priority.

Now, 90 per cent of all players in our country play with the legal gambling providers. There are already signs that the previously imposed advertising ban on radio, TV, newspapers and in the open air is causing gamblers to disappear into the illegal circuit.

Mr. De Goeij added: “A majority in the House of Representatives is taking an expensive gamble with the online players who are now consciously opting for the legal offer. If we find that politicians have made the wrong decisions too hastily, the House will be responsible for the negative consequences.”

Minister Weerwind of Legal Protection will soon inform the House of Representatives whether and how he will implement the adopted motions. Among other things, motions on a ban on very high-risk games of chance, on an emergency law to be able to take measures before the evaluation of the Online Gambling Act and the online advertising ban.

Mr. de Goeijadded: “Minister Weerwind has kept a cool head so far. We are counting on the outgoing cabinet and the cabinet to be formed to continue that sensible line and never jeopardize the protection of online players. With too many locks on the door, the online gambling Dutchman goes one door further, to one of the tens of thousands of illegal gambling sites. There is often no protection at all there – on the contrary.”