The Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA) contends that the bill proposed in the House of Representatives, aiming to ban online gambling advertisements by online gambling operators, would push players towards illegal gaming operators. Nevertheless, the bill cleared the House on 16 April 2024 on a 79 majority vote and headed to the Minister of Legal Protection for review and implementation proposal.
Advertising Ban Clears the House:
In the press release, NOGA states that the motion supported by a majority of representatives was ‘‘thoughtless and irresponsible”. As the House passed the motion to ban online gambling ads from gaming sites, NOGA director Peter-Paul de Goeij reportedly commented: “The House is trying to force a decision based on wrong figures, assumptions and unrealistic fears.”
As a leading trade association of Dutch online gambling providers, NOGA is now calling on Minister of Legal Protection Franc Weerwind to reject the legislation proposed by the House and refrain from making ”irreversible” decisions.
Online Player Protection:
According to NOGA, the rights of online players shall be protected as around 90% of Dutch players gamble with legalized online casinos and sports books. The entity also indicates that there are signs of gamblers turning to illegal gambling sites after the legislature imposed a gambling advertisement ban on TV, newspapers, and open air. The association indicates that a ban would confuse players as to whether they are using a legal or illegal gambling platform. NOGA emphasizes that illegal – and often criminal – online casinos do not offer any kind of player protection against gambling addiction.
As illegal gaming operations are even likely to encourage gambling addictions, the association of legal gambling service providers considers that a safe and responsible online environment and player protection represent a top priority for licensed gambling companies.
Gambling Legislation to be Reviewed:
After its previous attempts failed, the House voted on 16 April 2024 to ban gambling advertising activities from gambling sites to trigger reactions from the Dutch operators. The Ministry of Justice and Security followed up to reportedly say that the online gambling law will soon be reviewed. “ There is really not enough hard data to make sensible decisions at the moment, which is why a lot of research is now being done. Let’s wait for those results and then have a substantive discussion and make decisions that will protect online players as best as possible against problematic gambling and gambling addiction, ” the Ministry reportedly stated.
Lawmakers’ Responsibility Claim:
NOGA seems to strongly support any such reviews or revisions. ”A majority in the House of Representatives is taking an expensive gamble with online players who are now consciously opting for the legal offer. If we soon find that politicians have made the wrong decisions too hastily, the House will be responsible for the negative consequences ,” De Goeij reportedly stated.
Proposing Ban Implementation:
The bill proposal passed the House of Representatives and is currently being reviewed by Minister Weerwind. As reported, the Minister will soon revert to the House with a proposal to implement the bill adopted in the House. According to the NOGA press release, the implementation may first include high-risk games of chance to gradually continue until the Online Gambling Act and the online advertising ban are served to the Ministry of Justice and Security for review.
NOGA closely monitors the process. Peter-Paul de Goeij said, “Minister Weerwind has kept a cool head so far. We count on the outgoing cabinet and the cabinet to be formed to continue that sensible line and never jeopardize the protection of online players. ”