Teun Struycken, state secretary for legal protection, including responsibility for gambling, in the Netherlands has joined several other government personnel in resigning from their positions. This action comes over the decision to block sanctions against Israel because of the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
The mass exit began with Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stepping down in protest over blocked sanctions against Israel, according to NOS. He was shortly followed by all ministers and state secretaries from Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC).
Veldkamp said his proposals to take further action against Israel were being blocked by other ministers. Such measures would be in response to Israel’s latest military offensive in Gaza City. Veldkamp also referenced the approval of new settlement plans in the West Bank.
“As a cabinet, we have already taken a number of steps,” he said. “The Netherlands has nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve felt resistance within the cabinet for more measures in connection with what is happening in Gaza City and the West Bank.
“I have insufficient confidence that things will change in the coming weeks and months if I am so limited in my ability to implement the policy I deem necessary. I am going home and will write a letter of resignation.”
Unknown impact on Dutch gambling regulatory changes
Struycken was among a raft of other ministers and secretaries to join Veldkamp in resigning over the matter. In his secretarial role, Struycken played a part in gambling regulation changes in the Netherlands.
In February, Struycken said a new gambling bill was expected by the end of the year. At the time, he said this could include measures such as increasing the age limit for higher-risk products like online slots.
However, with Struycken resigning from his role, he takes a step back from the regulatory process. This leaves the status of the new bill very much up in the air.
There were some concerns about the approach Struycken could take to changing gambling laws. His party, the NSC previously announced plans to abolish online gambling in its manifesto.
Even before the resignations, the Netherlands was already facing political uncertainty. On 3 June, the Dutch government collapsed when Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom, withdrew from a four-party coalition. This led to the calling for a snap election, which is set for 29 October.
Mike de Graaff of BetComply said that, post-election, politicians may seek to relax restrictions to improve the market’s long-term position.
“By having super restrictive markets that you cannot really flourish in, it makes it very difficult for operators to bring any innovation to the market,” he said.
Gambling minister Teun Struycken joined several other government personnel in resigning over the matter.