Dutch Parliament Demands Stronger Measures Against Illegal Gambling
State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken encountered critical questioning from members of the Dutch Parliament regarding the country’s ongoing gambling reform efforts. Struycken, who assumed office in July, is tasked with overseeing gambling policy, a role that involves continuing the review of gambling legislation initiated by his predecessor.
Struycken Faces Scrutiny Over Gambling Reform
The questioning on 10 September followed a report highlighting harmful practices by illegal gambling operators, including advertisements promoting suicide-related themes. Struycken was pressed to outline immediate actions to address these concerns, as frustration over the slow progress of reform continues to grow.
Christian Union leader Mirjam Bikker emphasized the need for immediate intervention, particularly concerning illegal gambling advertisements. “We cannot allow commercial entities to exploit vulnerable individuals through unscrupulous practices,” Bikker said.
She criticised current enforcement agencies, including the Advertising Code Commission and the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), for their limited capacity to effectively deal with the issue. Bikker called for blocking websites and enhancing the regulator’s powers as critical steps to combat illegal activities.
Struycken Acknowledges Enforcement Challenges
Teun Struycken admitted that the problem of illegal gambling is exacerbated by the adaptability of operators and the constraints on current enforcement measures. “They continuously find new ways to continue their illegal activities,” he explained.
In response, Struycken pledged to explore stronger measures, such as international cooperation and IP blocking, to enhance efforts against illegal gambling. He also noted that previous market regulation discussions had dismissed the idea of blocking sites, but this option is now being reconsidered as part of a broader strategy.
The recently appointed chair of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), Michel Groothuizen, echoed concerns about the growing number of illegal operators. Groothuizen described these operators as “pirates of the industry” who blatantly disregard regulations.
Groothuizen also pointed out that while he had expected the KSA to have the power to shut down illegal websites, this authority has not yet been granted. “This capability would definitely strengthen our oversight,” Groothuizen said, emphasizing its importance in the upcoming review of the Remote Gambling Act.
Calls for Faster Legislative Action
Several MPs, including Michiel van Nispen of the Socialist Party and Derk Geertsz Boswijk of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), expressed their frustration with the slow pace of reforms. They called for swift implementation of existing proposals and more decisive action from Struycken’s office.
Struycken committed to delivering a detailed report by 10 October on the progress made and the measures planned. This report will include potential adjustments to the Remote Gambling Act, enforcement of new advertising regulations, and steps to address gambling addiction.
Boswijk also raised the issue of Malta’s Bill 55, noting that Struycken’s predecessor had promised to address this before the summer. Struycken assured the parliament that international cooperation, including with Malta, will be part of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling.
