The country will reduce gambling ads and ban credit cards for gambling purchases
Dutch lawmakers are advancing efforts to impose stricter regulations on gambling, responding to mounting concerns about the risks of addiction and harm, particularly among young people. Recent proposals call for a ban on using credit cards for online gambling and a comprehensive restriction on gambling advertisements. These measures follow a critical government evaluation deeming the current framework inadequate in safeguarding vulnerable groups.
The initiative is spearheaded by the ChristenUnie and SP political parties, which argue that existing regulations fail to address the growing risks associated with online gambling. Their proposal aims to limit the financial accessibility of gambling by prohibiting credit card transactions for such activities. Additionally, they advocate for an advertising ban to reduce exposure to gambling, particularly among impressionable young adults.
The push for tighter restrictions gained urgency after a report from the WODC, a government agency, highlighted the shortcomings of the Dutch Gambling Act. The findings revealed that the current regulatory system does not adequately protect consumers from addiction or harm. The report has intensified calls for immediate changes to the gambling sector to prevent further risks.
SP member Michiel van Nispen criticized delays in implementing reforms, emphasizing that action was necessary even before the evaluation’s release. Mirjam Bikker, leader of the ChristenUnie, echoed these sentiments, describing the evaluation as alarming. Bikker warned that the constant accessibility of online gambling, particularly via mobile devices, places young people’s well-being at significant risk.
While the proposal aims to gain broad support, challenges remain. Previous efforts to impose stricter gambling limits, including an outright ban on online gambling, failed to achieve widespread backing. However, the current measures focus on consumer protection and may stand a stronger chance of gaining traction as lawmakers debate the future of the Dutch gambling industry.
