Secretary of State Struycken: “The main principle for me is to protect all citizens against gambling-related harm. I go further than just preventing addiction and also look at other harm that participation in gambling can cause, such as debt. It is necessary to protect all people, especially those who have not yet encountered gambling or who have stopped gambling. My focus is particularly on minors and young adults.”
In 2021, the online gambling market was legalized. Since then, the number of people gambling online has increased. Additionally, the number of at-risk and problem gamblers is also rising, especially among minors and young adults. Although various adjustments have been made since legalization to better protect online gamblers, such as the ban on indiscriminate advertising and the rules surrounding betting limits, more is needed.
Measures
Secretary of State Struycken is prioritizing changes in legislation for online gambling in response to the concerning results of the Remote Gambling Act (koa). He is implementing several measures to protect people more effectively. This includes raising the minimum age to 21 for participation in the most high-risk gambling activities. There will also be tightening of the duty of care for providers and an overarching deposit limit with a financial capacity assessment. Additionally, the advertising rules will be adjusted to significantly reduce the appeal of online gambling. The illegal market still has a too large scope and must be fought vigorously. For this, the Ksa will receive more enforcement and oversight tools. This includes, for example, blocking illegal websites. The Ksa will also gain more powers to maintain stricter oversight on legal offerings.
New Vision
The current vision dates back to 2011 and assumes a large personal responsibility for players and providers. This vision offers too little room for the necessary fundamental legal changes regarding online gambling. Therefore, the Secretary of State is coming up with a new vision on gambling, where the main goal is the protection of all citizens against the risks of gambling. This also includes people who do not gamble (yet). Special attention is paid to protecting minors and young adults. They come into contact with gambling at a time when they are highly impressionable and therefore very susceptible to the risks of gambling. The new vision also formulates the prevention of participation in illegal gambling and combating illegal offerings as objectives.
Timeline
In the coming period, preparations will be made to adjust the legislation and regulations regarding gambling. It is expected that by the end of 2025, work will begin on formulating a legislative proposal. In the meantime, it will be examined whether certain measures can take place earlier, such as further tightening of the duty of care and advertising restrictions. Additionally, the Secretary of State is committed to putting the approach to illegal offerings on the agenda at the European level.