Among other changes, Struycken proposes raising the age limit for high-risk gambling products from 18 to 21 and providing the Kansspelautoriteit with more powers to block offshore companies.
The Netherlands’ gambling minister has put forward several changes that could significantly alter gambling regulation in the country. If passed, these changes would make Dutch gaming laws even stricter.
The Netherlands Wants to Crack Down on Problem Gambling
In alignment with the Netherlands’ efforts to combat problem and youth gambling, gambling minister Teun Struycken has proposed significant changes to the gambling laws. These measures, which follow a recent analysis of the country’s Remote Gambling Act, would restrict younger players from engaging with riskier games.
Struycken noted that recent studies have shown a significant rise in problem gambling among younger players. Generally considered a more vulnerable audience, young adults can be impressionable and often struggle to control their gaming habits.
As a result, Struycken proposed raising the age limit for high-risk gambling products from 18 to 21. While his proposal didn’t clearly define which verticals are “high-risk,” the Netherlands typically considers online slots to be such products due to their accessibility and addictive nature.
The KSA Would Receive Power to Block Offshore Operators
In addition to preventing the 18-21 age group from playing high-risk games, Struycken proposed mandatory deposit limits affecting all operators.
Another regulatory measure would impose even stricter rules on gambling advertising, shielding Dutch players from excessive ads. The Netherlands already prohibits untargeted ads and is in the process of phasing out gambling sponsorships in sports. However, this has so far failed to reduce problem and youth gambling rates significantly.
Lastly, Struycken proposed granting the Dutch gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), greater authority to block unlicensed operators. Many argue that this is the only way to prevent riskier offshore companies from exposing local players to harm.
According to the Kansspelautoriteit’s estimates, only 9% of Dutch players choose offshore operators. However, these players are responsible for roughly 50% of total spending, suggesting that the black market targets higher-value customers.
NOGA Backed the Proposals
Struycken emphasized that gambling can harm people’s lives and finances, especially vulnerable groups like minors and young adults.
His proposals received backing from the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), which advocates for responsible gaming. Eric Konings, the association’s director, stated that addiction prevention is insufficient and that the sector should strive to prevent all kinds of harm.
NOGA was particularly pleased with the idea of giving the Kansspelautoriteit powers to ban illegal operators.
The proposals will be examined by the government while a formal measure is being drafted.
