The Netherlands government has announced that the protection of young players will be a top priority in the upcoming review of the country’s Gambling Act. The decision comes as concerns mount over the increasing exposure of minors to gambling activities, both online and in traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
The review of the Gambling Act, which was first introduced in 1964 and has undergone several revisions since then, is set to take place in the coming months. The government has recognized the need to update the legislation to address the evolving landscape of the gambling industry, particularly in terms of the impact it has on young people.
One of the key areas of focus in the review will be tightening regulations around advertising and marketing practices aimed at minors. Currently, there are few restrictions in place to prevent gambling operators from targeting young people through online and social media channels. The government aims to put in place stronger safeguards to prevent underage individuals from being exposed to gambling content.
Additionally, the review will also look at ways to enhance age verification processes to ensure that only individuals who are of legal gambling age can participate in gambling activities. This includes online gambling platforms, where it can be difficult to accurately verify the age of players.
Minister for Legal Protection Sander Dekker emphasized the importance of protecting young players from the potential harms associated with gambling. “We need to take a proactive approach to ensure that young people are not being drawn into harmful gambling behaviors at a young age,” Dekker said. “By prioritizing their protection in the review of the Gambling Act, we can create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all.”
The announcement has been welcomed by advocacy groups and industry stakeholders, who have long called for stronger measures to safeguard young players from the risks of problem gambling. The Netherlands has seen a rise in the prevalence of gambling addiction among young people in recent years, prompting a need for more robust regulatory measures.
The government’s commitment to prioritizing the protection of young players in the review of the Gambling Act signals a positive step towards creating a safer and more responsible gambling environment in the Netherlands. With tighter restrictions on advertising and marketing practices, as well as enhanced age verification measures, the government aims to ensure that underage individuals are not exposed to the potential harms of gambling.