Two Dutch MPs, the Christian Union’s Mirjam Bikker and the Socialist Party’s Michiel van Nispen, have submitted a private bill to expedite a proposed gambling ad ban and restrictions on high-risk verticals such as online slots.
Van Nispen’s motion to introduce a blanket ad and slots ban was approved in April in the House of Representatives. But in October, Teun Struycken, the Dutch minister responsible for gambling, said he was considering approving the measures subject to further research.
At the start of November, a review commissioned by the Dutch Scientific Research and Data Centre (WDOC) found that the country’s Remote Gambling Act (KOA) was “inadequate” and in need of extensive reform.
With no current movement on updating the online gambling legislation, Bikker and Van Nispen have taken action in an attempt to speed up the process.
Releasing a private bill titled ‘Don’t gamble with the future of our youth’, the pair believe an intervention is needed sooner rather than later.
The bill reads: “[We] see that the government wants to conduct many further investigations.
“That is of added value, but at the same time the evaluation shows the great urgency to strengthen enforcement as soon as possible, to protect young people and not to let the gambling industry sit at the table again when making new legislation.
“Tightening of the law is needed very quickly to protect people from gambling addiction and to tackle gambling companies that do not comply with the rules. That cannot wait.”
The duo proposed a blanket ban on advertising “in principle”, with some undefined concessions to ensure consumers only use licensed operators. They also said this would bring an “end to the growth of the gambling market”.
Similarly to the previous proposals, a limit on games with “demonstrably high risk” has been included, as well as a ban on using credit cards as a deposit method.
The bill also aims to increase the speed and duration of voluntary and involuntary exclusion, while ensuring the contribution towards the addiction and prevention fund from operators is increased.
Stricter rules, which were not detailed, on deposit limits, bonuses, withdrawals and the amount of time players play for have also been put forward.
Focusing on the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), the regulator would have the authority to impose higher fines related to the firm’s expected turnover while also making it easier to suspend or remove operator’s licences.
The KSA would also be given the power to halt the extension of licences to companies that perform poorly against addiction prevention policy.
More powers would be given to the KSA to close illegal websites quicker and to deploy mystery shoppers to a greater effect.
Bikker commented: “The non-committal attitude must stop, not the gambling profit, but the health of young people must come first. It is naïve to think that the gambling industry will voluntarily sort this out.
“That is now crystal clear. With our bill, we force gambling companies to protect young people and to have their addiction prevention policy in order.”
Van Nispen added: “It’s over and out for gambling companies that don’t comply with the rules.
“With higher fines, a greater chance of getting caught and the chance of losing your licence, we force gambling providers to do everything they can to prevent damage.”
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