Dutch Government Sets Date to Enforce Gambling Ad Ban

The Dutch government has been mulling over a decision to prohibit public gambling adverts. In July 2022, the government banned these ads on public places, TVs, and radio stations starting January 2023. However, this was postponed to continue consultations. 

The consultations are now over, and the government, through the Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, has said that the move will commence on July 1, 2023. Recently, the minister reported that the prohibition would come before July 1. 

There have been public concerns in the Netherlands over kids’ exposure to gambling advertisements. The newly established date brings much-needed clarity to the situation. Note that gambling ads on the web and television on demand are still legal, although with rigid regulations.

Weerwind agrees that advertising is essential to make people aware of the legal offers of online casino games and stop playing illegally. However, he said the government must take steps to protect the vulnerable to online gaming: 

"With this ban, vulnerable groups, especially young people, come into less contact with these advertisements and we limit the temptation to engage in high-risk games of chance".  

Directing advertisements to consumers under the age of 24 in the Netherlands is illegal. And to ensure compliance, online gambling operators who use internet advertising, such as social media and targeting ads, must take steps to prevent these adverts from reaching this demographic.

The Netherlands Gaming Authority requires operators to prove that at least 95% of their ads were viewed by individuals aged at least 24. In addition, consumers must have the option to choose whether to view these adverts.