The Dutch government has announced details of a plan to ban gambling advertising in the country, along with public consultations scheduled to end in September.
The ban will amend some aspects of recruitment, advertising and addiction prevention legislation. First announced earlier this week, details are published in a document published on the Dutch government policy website Overheid.nl.
This document, protected by the Ministry of Justice, states that license holders are not allowed to broadcast “not covered” advertisements in most formats.
It covers the overwhelming majority of advertising methods. If enforced, the law prohibits advertising in public spaces such as radio, television, cinemas, sporting events and events.
Targeted ads will remain, but non-targeted ads will also be banned on the Internet.
Operators can only place ads online if they “do not reach” vulnerable groups, especially gambling addicts and people under the age of 24.
The decree details this, saying that under the age of 24, it is difficult to assess the level of risk associated with gambling and may be attracted to the “positive attitude” towards gambling that ads can convey. I am saying.
The decree also requires “effort” from operators to ensure that only targeted ads are broadcast, but because operators can use algorithms to target ads from vulnerable people. , Admits that it is “not impossible”.
In a document explaining the rules, the government emphasized that the responsible gambling group in the Netherlands highlights advertising issues, especially when it comes to young people.
The Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which came into force on April 1, 2021, six months before the Dutch regulated gambling market opened, emphasized consumer protection as one of its key policy goals. I added that there is.
Licensee is also prohibited from sponsoring sports teams.
The ban on broadcast advertising will come into effect on January 1, 2023, and TV program sponsorship will be banned from January 1, 2024.
The prohibition on sports sponsorship will be effective from January 1, 2025.
Discussions on the proposed ban will end on September 4, 2022
This ad has been restricted for some time, and Dutch Minister of Justice Franc Weerwind has promised further restrictions since the market opened last year.
