Dutch Politicians Push for Stricter Age Verification Measures in Online Gambling
Christian Union representative Don Ceder has submitted a motion urging the Dutch government to implement stricter age verification procedures for online gambling and pornographic websites. The proposal advocates for legally guaranteed, privacy-friendly, and reliable verification processes as part of a broader effort to tighten regulations on digital platforms.
Regulatory Tightening Amid Market Challenges
The motion arrives as the Netherlands considers various regulatory adjustments, three years after the launch of its legal gambling market in October 2021.
This is the second motion calling for stricter gambling controls this month, following a proposal from two Dutch representatives advocating for the closure of the regulated gambling market.
In the Dutch House of Representatives, such motions serve as non-binding resolutions, allowing politicians to express their positions on government policy without mandating immediate legislative action.
Context of Ongoing Legislative Changes
The document references other legislative measures currently being developed by the Dutch government, including regulations for online alcohol sales and “buy now, pay later” services.
It also points to new European Union-wide restrictions targeting social media platforms accessible to minors, which are being integrated into the Digital Services Act.
The motion argues that, despite these legislative efforts, Dutch minors still have easy access to online gambling and adult websites, lagging behind protective measures implemented in countries like Spain, France, and the UK.
In response, Ceder, alongside JPS Six Dijkstra of the New Social Contract party, has called for new regulatory controls to align with other European efforts.
Both representatives had previously tabled a similar motion in May, emphasizing the need for robust age verification systems.
Proposed Tax Increase and Black Market Concerns
The Dutch government is also drafting plans to increase the gaming tax rate from 30.5% to 37.8%, as outlined in the May coalition agreement.
This proposed hike comes amid warnings from gambling trade bodies that high-spending players are increasingly moving towards black market operators.
Reports indicate a slight rise in black market activity, with the unregulated sector now accounting for 13% of the country’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2024.
