The gambling authorities in Germany and the Netherlands have initiated campaigns focusing on responsible gambling as the Christmas season approaches, with the aim to offer better consumer support in each region.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has rolled out its latest campaign titled “Get your life back on track, take a gambling break.” This initiative builds on last year’s trial campaign, which revealed that the term “gambling break,” translated as “gokstop” in Dutch, resonated well with the public. This year’s effort particularly targets young adults experiencing gambling-related challenges.
The KSA plans to conduct the campaign predominantly on social media platforms rather than using traditional mass media. The focus will be on highlighting the beneficial impacts of taking a break from gambling. The campaign will use online videos showcasing transformative moments where young individuals regain control of their lives. These will be distributed via Google, Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the federal gambling regulator GGL has issued a caution to gamblers about the dangers of engaging with unlicensed operators during the holiday season. The regulator has highlighted the absence of player protections and the potential for rigged games on illegal gambling websites. Additionally, the GGL reminded players about the legal risks involved, such as potential imprisonment, fines, and the misuse of personal data by unverified operators.
As part of its advisory, the GGL has shared a whitelist of licensed operators and provided answers to common questions concerning the black market. The regulator remarked that the holiday season, including Christmas, often sees increased interest in online gambling. It noted that operators amplify their advertising and bonus offers during this time, which can elevate users’ propensity to gamble.
The GGL emphasized that some individuals use gambling during holidays, which often come with extra leisure time and emotional strain, as a means to manage stress or negative emotions. Therefore, it urges players to conduct thorough research and engage with only authorized providers. The GGL assured that it would maintain vigilance over the holidays to continue combatting illegal gambling activities.
Earlier in November, the KSA issued penalty payment warnings to two operators that were operating without a license, following the issuance of cease-and-desist notifications. Moreover, in September, the GGL revealed that public reports had led to the closure of over 60 unlicensed operators since January 2023.
This article originally appeared on EGR Intel, under the title [Dutch and German regulators ramp up RG initiatives over festive period](https://www.egr.global/intel/news/dutch-and-german-regulators-ramp-up-rg-initiatives-over-festive-period). For more details, visit [EGR Intel](https://www.egr.global/intel).