Upcoming Gambling Regulations in the Dutch Market

Exciting Changes Ahead for Dutch Gambling Regulations

The Dutch Government has officially released the latest updates to their gambling regulations. These changes will impact advertising and bonuses, but still allow for online gambling in the Netherlands. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for players.

Under the new regulations, sports teams are no longer allowed to be featured in advertisements, but they can still receive sponsorship deals. This decision was made to protect younger generations from viewing athletes as role models for gambling.

In addition, non-sporting influencers popular with youth have also been added to the list of banned advertisement faces. This update was prompted by feedback from a government consultation that highlighted the influence of sports teams on young people.

What Can We Expect from these Changes?

While operators may need to rethink their advertising strategies, player protection is the top priority under these new regulations. However, there is some good news for gambling institutions as license processing fees have been capped at €48,000.

The updated regulations also outline which sporting events are eligible for wagering and which are not. For example, bets can no longer be placed on certain football matches or friendly matches not sanctioned by FIFA.

Bonuses and Lotteries

Under these new rules, players who do not opt-in for bonuses will automatically receive them. The previous 60-day restriction for players who have received an intervention due to their gambling habits has also been lifted. The focus will now be on lighter interventions and more direct actions rather than long-term bans.

In addition, lottery providers are no longer required to participate in addiction prevention efforts, as it was deemed unnecessary. Timed bonuses are also banned and operators must conduct risk analysis on individual games in their library.

The regulations also outline how operators should intervene when players exhibit problematic behavior and set technical standards for self-exclusion systems like Cruks.

What Does the Future Hold for Dutch Gambling?

The world of gambling is constantly changing, and with new laws being put in place, the future is uncertain. However, one thing is clear: gambling will continue to thrive whether it’s legal or not. It only makes sense to establish regulations that prioritize safety for all involved.

Compared to the strict regulations in the USA, the Netherlands is relatively lenient when it comes to gambling laws. Despite previous attempts by authorities to control the industry, they have largely been unsuccessful so far. Hopefully these updates will bring positive changes for Dutch gamblers in the coming months.