Dutch legal protection minister FM Weerwind has said the government is “considering” a number of measures regarding video game loot boxes, including the possibility of a complete ban.
The remarks were made in response to parliamentary questions by Socialist MP Mikael van Nispen. Van Nispen asked Weerwind about a number of issues regarding video game features, including possible future regulation.
Mr Weerwind said the government is considering a number of policy recommendations.
“This includes motions adopted by members [Henri] Bontenval has urged the Cabinet to explore the possibility of banning loot boxes in Dutch games and amend the law if necessary. ”
The inquiry follows a March ruling by a Dutch court that lootboxes are not a form of gambling, overturning penalties imposed on video game studio EA by Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The decision was taken by the executive branch of the State Council, part of the Hague District Court.
The original KSA interpretation considered loot boxes to be a prohibited form of gambling, but a State Council ruling effectively legalized the product again.
Weerwind also answered questions from ChristenUnie member Mirjam Bikker about a sponsorship deal between football club Ajax and gambling operator Unibet.
Bicker put pressure on the minister on various issues related to sponsorship deals, including possible negative effects on youth, normalization of gambling and gambling addiction.
While Mr Weerwind said as minister he did not have an opinion on individual sponsorship deals, he said he shared “general concerns about the impact of online gambling sponsorships on vulnerable groups”. rice field.
The parliamentary question will be in the context of a nationwide rethink of gambling policy within the Netherlands, the upcoming ban on all ‘non-targeted’ advertising in online gambling.
The ban includes provisions banning all gambling sponsorships of television and events by 2024 and banning all sports shirts and venues, such as Ajax and Unibet contracts, by 2025.
The Dutch regulated market is less than a year old, starting in October 2021.
