NOGA reports that the Netherlands' slot ban poses a threat to the underground market.
Players are being driven to the illegal market, according to the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), which argues that the decision in the Netherlands House of Representatives to prohibit online slots and advertising for online gambling is the cause of this.
The Netherlands
As was initially reported by Casino Nieuws, a newspaper headquartered in the Netherlands, the national house of representatives of the Netherlands decided on Tuesday, April 16th, to prohibit any and all forms of targeted advertising. Slot machines are included in the category of "high-risk" gambling, which was also voted against.
Additionally, in addition to the two resolutions that were proposed by Michiel van Nispen, a member of parliament for the Socialist party, additional motions were approved for the purpose of requiring financial risk checks for gaming and for identification purposes.
Despite the fact that the ban was approved by the referendum, it must still be codified into law. Franc Weerwind, the minister of legal protection in the Netherlands, is now scheduled to evaluate the law and make a decision regarding whether or not to adopt it.
According to NOGA, the actions were "thoughtless and irresponsible," and the organisation also cautioned Weerwind against making decisions that cannot be reversed.
One of the directors of NOGA, Peter-Paul de Goeij, made the following statement: "The house is attempting to force a decision based on incorrect figures, assumptions, and fears that are not realistic."
"Up to this point, Minister Weerwind has maintained his composure. We have faith that both the government that is leaving and the cabinet that will be established will continue to follow that logical line of thinking and will never put the safety of online players in jeopardy.
NOGA: Players will be driven to offshore operators as a result of bans
Netherlands The House of Representatives of the Netherlands came to a decision to prohibit targeted advertising and online slot machines.
A number of previous attempts to completely restrict advertising for gambling had been unsuccessful before to the vote on Tuesday. The resolution that was put up by Member of Parliament Derk Boswijk to completely prohibit advertising that is associated with gaming was unsuccessful earlier this year. Nevertheless, the new motion on advertising that Van Nispen proposed was approved with 77 votes.
The ban on internet gambling with a "demonstrably very high risk" was approved with 79 votes on Tuesday, keeping the situation in the meanwhile.
It is estimated by NOGA that ninety percent of players in the Netherlands wager with legal suppliers. On the other hand, the group is concerned that the new legislation will encourage gamblers to return to the underground market.
NOGA is concerned that the new ban on advertising will cause gamers to be confused about whether or not they are playing with providers who are not authorised to do so.
As De Goeij explained, "A majority in the house of representatives is taking an expensive gamble with online players who are now consciously opting for the legal offer." This is a gamble that is being taken by the majority.
The House of Representatives will be held accountable for the adverse effects if it is discovered in the near future that MPs have made rash decisions under a sense of urgency.
In the year 2024, the Remote Gambling Act will be assessed.
It is anticipated that the Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands will conduct an evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act later on in this year.
On the other hand, NOGA and De Goeij assert that there is not currently sufficient data to conduct an appropriately informed review.
As a result of the fact that there is currently an abundance of study being conducted, De Goeij stated that "there is really not enough hard data to make sensible decisions at the moment."
"First, let's wait for those results, and then we'll have a meaningful conversation and make decisions that will protect online players from gambling addiction and problematic gambling to the greatest extent possible,"
Legal frameworks governing gambling in the Netherlands
At this time, the examination of the Remote Gambling Act has not yet taken place. On the other hand, Weerwind has already moved forward with plans to make an effort to safeguard gamers from the negative effects of gambling.
A restriction on advertising that is not specifically targeted has already been implemented in the Netherlands, and it went into force in July of 2023. Advertising on a large scale through mediums such as radio and television transmissions was not permitted. Sport sponsorships were also prohibited, despite the fact that the Netherlands is still in the process of implementing a transitional phase for sponsorship deals that are already in place.
The announcement of a national campaign to combat digital fraud was made by Weerwind in October, in response to concerns regarding criminal activity related to online gambling.
The following is an excerpt from a letter that Weerwind sent at the time: "Everyone who wants to do so should be able to play a game of chance responsibly." On the other hand, prudent gaming might give way to gambling that is problematic.
In addition, Weerwind implemented additional precautions in the month of December 2023. It would be necessary for providers to get in touch with gamblers who have established a deposit limit of at least €350 (£303/$386). The operators would be required to provide players with information regarding the hazards that are associated with gambling with such large amounts of money.
In addition, CasinoNieuws said that Weerwind had proposed many modifications, such as displaying monetary amounts in euros. Additionally, Weerwind advocated for additional research to be conducted on general gambling limitations.
