Dutch Coalition Proposes Total Gambling Ad Ban
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Key Takeaways:
- New Dutch coalition plans to ban all gambling advertising and limit the number of online licenses to curb market growth and harm.
- The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) regulator has warned that a full ad ban and license cap could undermine the regulated market and push players to illegal operators.
- These proposals follow ongoing debates on player protection in the Netherlands' regulated iGaming sector since 2021.
The incoming Dutch coalition government has outlined plans to significantly tighten online gambling regulations, including a complete prohibition on gambling advertising and a cap on the number of remote gaming licenses issued. The measures aim to reduce gambling-related harm and limit market expansion following the 2021 Remote Gambling Act, which legalized and regulated online casinos and sports betting.
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has publicly cautioned against these extreme steps. In response to the political proposal, the KSA highlighted potential risks, including reduced visibility of regulated operators, which could drive consumers toward unlicensed black-market sites. The Netherlands gambling authority emphasized that evidence from other markets shows strict advertising bans can inadvertently boost illegal activity rather than protect players. It also noted concerns over limiting licenses, arguing this could stifle competition and innovation while failing to address underlying issues like player education and responsible gaming tools.
The proposals come amid broader scrutiny of the Dutch online casino market's performance post-regulation. Industry stakeholders have expressed worries that such restrictions could hinder growth in one of Europe's key regulated iGaming jurisdictions, where licensed online casino operators have invested heavily in compliance and safer gambling features. If implemented, the changes would mark a sharp reversal from the open licensing regime that has seen dozens of operators enter the market.
This development matters for the global online casino industry as the Netherlands serves as a bellwether for balanced regulation in mature European markets. A shift toward heavy restrictions could influence policy discussions in online casinos of neighbouring countries, particularly those weighing player protection against market sustainability. Operators and providers active in continental Europe may need to adapt strategies, focusing more on retention through responsible gaming rather than broad marketing.
