Dutch Concerns Over Sports Ads Ban
Concerns Surrounding Online Gambling Advertisement
Dutch lawmakers are raising alarms regarding the impending online gambling advertisement ban, set to be enforced in July. They express apprehension that operators may find ways to bypass these regulations, drawing parallels to instances in Belgium. On March 12, state secretary for legal protection, Teun Struycken, emphasized the importance of player protection while addressing these issues in parliament.
Belgium's Example of Circumvention
In Belgium, sports clubs have faced restrictions on displaying gambling sponsorships since January 1, marking a significant change in advertising practices. Despite this, concerns linger that certain operators have managed to sidestep these rules. For example, Club Brugge rebranded its sponsorship from Unibet to U-experts, the name of an app linking to Unibet’s casino services. Similarly, Cercle Brugge switched sponsorship from 'Golden Palace Casino' to 'Golden Palace News'.
Enforcement of the Ban in the Netherlands
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, plans to enforce a comprehensive ban on sports sponsorship by licensed online gambling operators. Struycken highlighted that it is the responsibility of gambling providers to ensure compliance, even for marketing efforts conducted by third parties. He stated, "I cannot rule out that there are parties in the Netherlands that will try to display sponsor names or logos in a similar way as in Belgium. If this happens, the gaming authority will take action."
Regulatory Framework and Future Measures
Struycken proposed potential amendments to the Gambling Act that would enhance the framework governing gambling advertisements, advocating for more stringent measures that encompass the entire advertising chain. While the KSA opposes a total ban on gambling advertisements, urging a transition to a restrictive model, they acknowledge that players require information on legal gambling avenues.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Addressing the concern of underage exposure to gambling advertisements, Struycken recognized the challenges involved in completely shielding young citizens from such marketing, particularly when other countries continue to sponsor gambling-related activities. He reiterated his commitment to protecting citizens from gambling-related harms, which extends beyond addiction to include financial difficulties.
Outlook on Gambling Policies
A recent review of the Netherlands' gambling policies revealed shortcomings in player safety and responsible gambling practices. The findings indicated that current regulations have not established a secure or sustainable market. The ongoing legislative discussions aim to tighten measures including raising the age limit for slot play from 18 to 21, while also considering financial capacity assessments for players seeking to increase their deposit limits.
