Calls Grow in the Netherlands for Comprehensive Ban on Online Gambling Ads
Following the Dutch government’s partial ban on gambling advertising, concerns are mounting over the exposure of young people to gambling risks. Non-profit group De Nederlandse ggz is advocating for a complete advertising ban, emphasizing the potential long-term impact on youth.
Current Advertising Restrictions and Legislative Pushback
In July, the Netherlands implemented a broad ban on gambling advertisements across television, radio, print, and public spaces.
However, targeted ads are still permitted on streaming services, social media, direct mail, and within online gaming platforms, provided they don’t target underage audiences.
Despite a motion in Parliament from Derk Boswijk of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party to tighten these restrictions further, the government has resisted extending the ban.
Rising Concerns Over Youth Exposure
De Nederlandse ggz chairwoman Ruth Peetoom is advocating for a complete advertising ban due to the risks posed to young people.
“People, and young people in particular, are too easily exposed to the risks of addiction,” she stated.
With data from the gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) showing that 22% of Dutch online gambling accounts were held by people aged 18 to 23 in the latter half of 2023, concerns over normalizing gambling for younger demographics are increasing.
Increase in Gambling Addiction Treatment
According to data from the Dutch national alcohol and drugs database, LADIS, 2,456 people sought treatment for gambling addiction in 2023.
Peetoom highlighted research from the KRO-NCRV program Pointer, which indicates that operators may be targeting young people through social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, using “free money” promotions and influencers to appeal to a younger audience.
“Young people are very sensitive to stimuli such as ‘fast money’ and are influenced by role models,” Peetoom explained, drawing a comparison to tactics previously used by the tobacco industry.
Advocating for Stricter Regulations and Operator Responsibility
Peetoom also urged operators to improve their duty of care toward consumers and called for stricter enforcement by the Kansspelautoriteit.
“The rules regarding the duty of care of gambling providers must also be formulated more strictly,” she stated, underscoring the need for enhanced oversight of problematic gambling behaviors and increased accountability from gambling operators.