The Dutch government is planning some big changes when it comes to gambling laws, with the new rules set to roll out by the end of 2025. Teun Struycken, the State Secretary for Legal Protection, recently announced that the government is working to raise the minimum gambling age and tighten regulations to make gambling safer.
In a statement to the House of Representatives on 14 February, Struycken explained, “For me, the most important starting point is protecting all citizens from gambling-related harm. In doing so, I go beyond preventing addiction and also look at other harm that participation in gambling can cause, such as debts.”
One of the biggest changes on the table is raising the minimum age for high-risk gambling to 21. The idea is to protect young adults, who tend to be more easily influenced and can quickly get caught up in risky behaviours. Struycken stated, “It is necessary to protect all people, especially those who have not yet come into contact with gambling or who have stopped gambling. In doing so, I focus in particular on minors and young adults.”
An additional part of the plan involves setting stricter deposit limits across all gambling platforms, essentially placing a cap on how much people can put into their accounts in order to prevent players from overspending. There will also be new affordability checks to make sure people refrain from gambling more than they can afford. Currently, the law relies heavily on people being personally responsible for themselves, however the government wants to shift that balance toward more external safeguards.
The government is planning to crack down on gambling ads, too, in particular the ones that appear to target younger audiences. The goal is to make gambling less appealing and more of a conscious choice, rather than something people are lured into. This will mean fewer flashy promotions and more straightforward information about the risks involved.
Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the national gambling regulator, will also have more power to handle rule-breakers. This means having the ability to pursue unlicensed operators more aggressively and make sure the legit ones follow the new rules. Earlier this year, KSA introduced a tougher penalty system with higher fines for operators that don’t comply, essentially pushing them to play by the rules or pay the price.
The whole policy overhaul stems from concerns that the old rules, set back in 2011, are no longer producing sufficient results. Back then, the focus was more on personal responsibility, but with the rise of online gambling and the ease of access through smartphones and apps, the government feels it’s time for a more protective approach. Young people and those who’ve had gambling issues in the past are the main focus, but ultimately, the goal is to create a safer environment for everyone.
The official bill is planned to be presented in parliament by March 2025. In the meantime, some existing rules will be tightened, especially concerning gambling companies’ approach to customers’ well-being. Operators will need to prove they are doing enough to protect their players, or they could face penalties.
For gambling operators in the Netherlands, these changes will mean some big adjustments. Systems will need to be updated in order to enforce age restrictions, introduce the deposit caps, and implement the new affordability checks. Marketing strategies will also have to shift, with a stronger focus on promoting responsible gambling as opposed to just encouraging people to play.
The KSA is ready to step in with its new penalty structure, which has five different levels of fines based on how severe the violation is. So, companies that have been pushing the limits will now have to operate in a way that ensures they stay well within them.
The Netherlands isn’t the only country rethinking its gambling policies. Ireland, for example, recently passed new gambling laws aimed at reducing harm, especially among young people. As gambling becomes increasingly accessible, more governments are stepping in to enforce the right balance between allowing people to enjoy the activity and protecting those who are at risk.
These changes may sound strict, but the Dutch government believes they are necessary to protect people, especially the younger generation, from the pitfalls of gambling. So, if you’re in the Netherlands and enjoy placing a bet, be prepared to jump through a few more hoops in the near future.
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