CasinoScout.nl: Dutch operators fear negative effects ban on gambling ads
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The Netherlands legalized online casinos in October 2021. The first regulated online casino brands went live in a year. There are currently 24 regulated casinos. In December 2021, the House of Representatives voted for a ban on gambling ads. This ban is expected to come into effect in Q1 of 2023. The gambling sector claims that the ads create brand awareness among consumers. They also claim that without the adverts, players would end up on unregulated websites.
New regulations on gambling ads will be introduced in the beginning of 2023. The first measures were taken in July 2022. Sponsorship deals for professional sport teams are still allowed. Online advertising is partially allowed until further notice. CasinoScout.nl: Dutch operators fear negative effects of the ban on the gambling ad. Franc Weerwind is the Minister for Legal Protection. He was appointed in January 2022 and was called for an interpellation debate about the status of gambling advertisements.
The proposed ban on gambling ads is not a solution to combat gambling addiction. Online casinos in the Netherlands are limited to signing up at casinos that have a license from the Dutch regulator. Industry associations representing online operators in Netherlands agree that a certain degree of advertising is crucial to create brand awareness. iGaming expert Simon Lucas agrees. 22% of Dutch online gamblers continued to use unlicensed operators.
The ban on gambling ads in the Netherlands is not an isolated case. Belgium and Sweden have recently banned gambling adverts. During the corona pandemic, Swedish operators were temporarily forced to introduce monthly deposit limits and cap bonuses.
The first regulated online casinos in the Netherlands opened their virtual doors on the 2nd of October 2021. There are 1,3 million online accounts in Netherlands. In the first nine months after the opening of the online gambling market, the industry has paid € 200 million in gambling tax. There is currently 24 online operators that hold a license and have launched their website in The Netherlands, and two operators have obtained their licenses, but have not launched the website yet.
The Dutch online gambling industry has made a profit of € 200 million in the first nine months after the opening of the market. There are 1,3 million online accounts in Netherlands. 22% of those accounts are owned by 18 to 23-year-olds.
