The Netherlands’ Ministry of Legal Protection has announced a ban on “untargeted” gambling ads beginning January 1, 2023. Additionally, gambling sponsorships on team sports shirts and venues won’t be permitted after January 2025.
Online gaming became legal in the Netherlands October 1 of last year.
The ban will apply to television, radio and all public spaces, indoors or outdoors. Sponsorships of TV programs and events will be prohibited after January 2024.
Online and direct marketing will still be permitted, but with tightened rules to protect the vulnerable.
The ministry added, “The phasing will give the sports sector the opportunity to find alternative sponsors. The Kansspelautoriteit [gaming control board] will soon monitor compliance with the new rules and will be able to intervene immediately in case of violation.” This will begin with a warning but a fine could follow.
Minister Franc Weerwind said the ad ban was a way to protect players. “Today we have taken an important step towards further curbing gambling advertisements,” he said, adding. “Advertising is a means of directing people to the legal offer, but the importance of addiction prevention is more important.”
Still, Weerwind isn’t satisfied with these measures and is pushing for a total ban of advertising. He said, “The Cabinet and I think sports are very important. But at the same time I want to suppress gambling and gambling addiction.”
