The Dutch minister for Legal Protection says he expects gaming companies not to “lean back” and “push the limits” ahead of the upcoming ban on untargeted advertising.
The Netherlands’ online gaming market, after opening in late 2021, is moving into its next significant phase by banning untargeted advertising, specifically aimed at people between 18 and 24 years of age.
In a recent conference speech, the chairman of the Dutch regulator, Kansspelautoriteit’s René Jansen, admitted that the ban may not initially be as hard-hitting as first predicted when it comes into force on Saturday.
He said the KSA’s implementations, which will take effect on July 1, are “unchartered” territory for the regulator, which will have to, “like the industry, find our way in this.”
Franc Weerwind was subsequently probed on Jansen’s comments in a parliamentary hearing on Monday and said it is “up to the KSA to further specify the way in which it supervises, maintains and enforces compliance” with the ban.
He added: “I understand that the KSA takes the time to look carefully at how the ban works in practice and how it can supervise and enforce effectively.
“In addition, the experience is that the KSA’s working method of first conducting norm-transferring conversations before proceeding with enforcement, is effective.
“Like the KSA, I expect licensed providers not to lean back and don't push the limits.”
Weerwind added that the “starting points” for the untargeted advertising ban have been to offer “as much protection as possible,” but at the same time leaving room to keep people playing via legal routes.
Asked what signal this sends to people who have had to deal with gambling addiction, Weerwind said licensed providers “must show the prohibition respect” and “prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups.”
