New Online Gambling Advertising Law in the Netherlands
along with2021With the introduction of online gambling sites in the Netherlands in 2017, the country made the bold decision to open up its gaming market. There are several reasons behind this decision. Firstly, gambling is already legal in the Netherlands, so it is not a huge leap to offer an online option and regulate it. The government may also have felt pressure from neighboring countries that already offer strong online gaming options, as residents can easily access these platforms.
COVID-19The pandemic is also a factor to consider.2020In 2019, many non-essential business activities were forced to suspend in order to help slow the spread of the virus. As a result, the gaming industry was affected and betting enthusiasts turned to digital options. Therefore, the Netherlands chose to2021It makes sense to pass a law on online gambling in4moon1It came into effect on the same day and is called the Remote Gambling Act.
The Netherlands already has several laws on gambling and anti-money laundering. The Remote Gambling Act must mirror the existing laws. It also contains three main points. First, the company must holdKsaA license is required to provide remote gambling services in the Netherlands. Secondly, unlicensed platforms are not allowed to promote their services in the country. Thirdly, betting on unlicensed platforms is illegal.
On the basis of these factors, the Dutch government hopes that its residents will stick to licensed, legal services for betting and online casino games. Six months after the bill was passed, platforms began to receive licenses, so now there are at least25There are licensed online gambling sites for punters to use.
Requirements for Dutch Online Gambling Sites
According to the law, a gambling platform must meet several requirements in order to successfully apply for a license to operate in the country. These requirements are as follows:
- Companies must be publicly traded within the European Economic Area (EEA).
- The electronic infrastructure for companies to manage their gaming platforms must be located within the EEA.
- The company must maintain a database in the Netherlands for monitoring Dutch platforms.
- The Company has a responsibility to help prevent problem gambling. This includes educating players about the risks of gambling, providing self-assessment tools, flagging potentially problematic behaviour and intervening when appropriate.
- Every company must have a representative who specializes in dealing with gambling addiction in the Netherlands.
- These companies are not allowed to conduct non-targeted advertising.(See below for details)
- The Netherlands has its own exclusion register. The system is run by a hub and means that when a player is registered on one website, all websites must put the same player on their exclusion lists for at least six months.
Online Gambling Advertising Ban and Its Impact on Players
The Netherlands recently launched a“Non-directional”A ban on online gambling ads. The ban was introduced because, in the two years since the country legalized online gambling and issued the first licenses, online and television were flooded with gambling ads. This was not only because of the volume of ads, but also because these ads could lead to problem gambling behavior or affect vulnerable groups such as minors.
The result is what is known as the online gambling advertising ban. However, online gambling sites are still allowed to advertise under extremely strict parameters. In fact, it can be difficult not to violate these regulations, effectively creating a de facto ban.
Dutch politicians have said they do not want all advertising for these sites to disappear. Legitimate sites still need to present themselves to the public so players know which sites are licensed and which are not. Because legal gambling is relatively new, unlicensed platforms are still trying to offer their services in the Netherlands, and there is a risk that players will inadvertently use illegal sites.
Licensed online gambling sites can still advertise via:
- Social Media and the Internet
- Direct Mail Advertising
- TV on Demand
- Targeted Advertising
Ads must meet the following criteria:
- Advertisements cannot be24Display for children under 18 years old and other vulnerable groups.
- 95%Ads must be shown to24People aged over 2 years.
- People who view the ads must be able to opt out of the ads and choose not to receive online gambling ads anymore.
What this means for gambling platforms
Gambling platforms must now work harder to advertise in a legal manner. The main method is to create targeted advertising campaigns with strict audience age regulations. However, fully enforcing this regulation is challenging.
Some platforms have been penalized for violating regulations. For example, an advertiser gave away a product with its company logo.Tshirt activities,KsaIt is considered illegal because such products may be worn in public and may be seen by minors. Therefore, all gifting of products with brand logos is prohibited under the new ban.
The ban also prohibits the use of non-neutral expressions in ads, such as slogans or calls to action. For example, ads that use slogans or encourage users to try an app may violate the neutral expression regulations.KsaThe position is that these actions encourage users to gamble rather than remain neutral.
Impact on players
At the moment, there are no obvious negative effects on players. The main issue is differentiating between licensed and unlicensed sites, and advertising could help in this regard. However, if online betting platforms become frustrated with the Dutch law and exit the market, players could be left with fewer legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is online gambling legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, online gambling is legal throughout the Netherlands, including the province of Holland. Although many people use the term Holland to refer to the entire country, it is actually just the Netherlands.12Two of the provinces.
2. Are online gambling ads banned in the Netherlands?
2023Year7A new law passed in July tightens regulations on online gambling advertising, but does not outright ban it. Advertisers can target groups (24People aged 18 and over) can display ads, but they must follow strict regulations.
3. Can I buy lottery tickets online in the Netherlands?
No, it is currently prohibited to buy lottery tickets online in the Netherlands. You can only buy lottery tickets through physical stores. However, many other forms of online gaming such as casino games, slots, table games and sports betting are available.
in conclusion
In the Dutch online gambling market, new advertising laws require operators to navigate these regulations, which ensures that players can better protect themselves and can distinguish between licensed and unlicensed platforms. The focus on targeted advertising and strict compliance with regulations aims to create a safer gambling environment in the Netherlands.
