Cabinet plans ban on online gambling ads and bonuses

The Dutch cabinet is planning a complete ban on online gambling ads and on bonuses like free bets for new players, as part of a package of measures to reverse the surge in addiction since the market was legalised in 2021.

Junior justice minister Claudia van Bruggen announced the plans on Friday, saying the number of people gambling online has risen sharply since legalisation, as has the number of people with an addiction.

“I find it extremely worrying that more and more people, and especially young people, have started gambling online and are getting into difficulties as a result,” she said in a written statement. “It is high time to reverse this trend.”

Gambling advertising has already been restricted in recent years, including a ban on ads featuring role models and on untargeted advertising. But too many people, particularly young people, are still seeing gambling adverts, the junior minister said.

Deposit limits

The cabinet also wants to introduce a single deposit limit covering all licensed gambling sites, rather than limits per provider. Players who want to raise their limit would first have to pass a financial check, covering issues such as payment arrears and whether they are under guardianship or debt administration.

The self-exclusion register Cruks, which more than 100,000 people have joined, would also be reformed, allowing people to register indefinitely without being automatically removed and making it easier for family members or administrators to sign someone else up.

Tens of thousands of illegal gambling sites are currently active in the Netherlands, the government said, and it is working with the gambling authority KSA on new tools to tackle them.

These include blocking websites and setting legal standards for payment providers and hosting companies that facilitate illegal operators. The cabinet is also researching whether to limit the number of online gambling licences.

The measures will now be worked into legislation. Online gambling was legalised in October 2021, and a series of reports since has shown rising addiction and debt problems, particularly among young adults.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, the Jellinek addiction helpline can be reached on 088 505 1220 or at jellinek.nl. The line is staffed in Dutch and English on weekdays, 1pm to 5pm.