In the Netherlands, the Dutch parliament has approved a mandate calling on European governments to introduce stricter fixed deposit limits between operators in the online gambling market, along with tighter regulatory enforcement. The motion to enforce “comprehensive playing restrictions” was proposed by Kristen Uni (CU) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Mirjam Bicker.
universal loss limit
Unlike previous drafts published by the Ministry of Justice and Security, new consumer protection measures for the Dutch online gambling market, introduced on February 13, 2024, require deposit limits to be subject to affordability checks. I couldn’t pull it up.
Financial risk check
Before the vote, the CU mandate was rejected by Legal Protection Minister Fran Wirwind, who insisted that financial risk checks were built into the impending approved amendments. Instead, he recommended that the House of Commons give the go-ahead for mandatory financial risk checks on player accounts with expenditures exceeding €350.
Mr Wierwind, whose job it is to oversee KOA reforms, claimed that loss limits would be introduced by the KOA market, with a €150 spending limit imposed on gambling accounts for customers under the age of 24. The recognition of the CU’s powers by the House of Representatives suggests that. This may conflict with the Minister’s proposed changes to his KOA Act.
Bicker called on Minister Wehrwind to “rethink the design of online gambling protection in the Netherlands” and impose fixed loss limits on KOA operators by the end of the year.
harsher financial penalties
Michelle van Nispen (Tweed Comer), also a member of the House of Commons) Lawmakers from the Dutch Socialist Party (SC) have proposed a second motion to impose stiffer fines for online gambling violations. These penalties, proposed by Van Nispen, include fines of 10% of turnover for gambling companies that violate KOA regulations and revocation of licenses for operators who fail to adequately protect players. The mandate was supported and passed by 102 senators.
Van Nispen reportedly said…
“The SP is seeking hefty fines and measures against these malicious gambling companies. As far as we know, a warning is followed by a fine, which is very painful, for example his 10% of turnover. In our opinion, the permit should also be revoked in case of repeat offenses. Have you ever had your permit revoked? I do not think so.As far as we’re concerned: the story of the morally amoral cowboy is over.”
Ban on online gambling advertising
Last of 3 motions Call for a complete ban on gambling advertising The proposal proposed by CDA member Derk Boswijk fell six votes short of the required 76-vote majority. And although rejected by Kamel, Dutch ministers insist that “exceeding player limits” must be part of the government’s ongoing reforms to the KOA law.
The adoption of a motion on inter-operator deposit limits and stronger regulatory enforcement sets the stage for parliamentary debate by the Standing Committee on Justice and Security on Internet Gambling, scheduled for March 7, 2024 .
According to global data and business intelligence platform Statista, the Dutch online gambling market is estimated to have a projected revenue of USD 1.19 billion this year. Furthermore, the market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 5.60% (CAGR 2024-2028), and the market size is expected to reach USD 1.48 billion by 2028.
Belgium raises gambling age
In related news, in Belgium, a new gambling law has been approved by the House of Representatives that increases the minimum age for gambling (online and offline) from 18 to 21 years. The bill would also ban all types of bonuses. Additionally, gambling advertising is generally prohibited unless expressly permitted by another Royal Decree. However, Belgium’s national lottery is exempt from the ban.
Additionally, online gambling operators in Western European countries are currently prohibited from offering multiple types of gambling, such as sports betting and casino, through the same website.
The new regulatory framework has understandably been strongly criticized by the Belgian Gambling Operators Association (BAGO), saying it will undermine player protection and market distribution, and will lead to customers relying on unlicensed gambling providers. It warns that it will happen.