The Netherlands Gaming Authority has warned the country’s only casino operator, Holland Casino, and the lottery firms BankGiro Loterij, Nationale Postcode Loterij and Staatsloterij from straying into advertising in social media that appeals to minors.
It minced no words in ordering them to “stop advertising specifically aimed at young people” in its cease and desist orders.
The Gaming Authority issued this statement: “The Netherlands Gaming Authority pays extra attention to this topic because participation in gambling can cause damage to juveniles,” adding, “The Netherlands Gaming Authority noted that the organizations advertise on websites targeting young people. Those gambling providers, all in possession of a gambling license, should stop immediately and must also take measures to prevent repetition.”
It promised to impose a fine of up to $115,869 on operators marketing to minors or on youth sites.
The Gaming Authority has been cracking down on its industry oversight and to emphasize that it won’t tolerate violations. Earlier in 2017 it issued new regulations that came close to banning unlicensed online gaming or any kind of advertising of such providers.
In October, the Authority announced that it would shift its focus to curbing social casino gaming among minors. It considers free-to-play gaming something of a gateway drug to gambling with money. It cites statistics that half of those surveyed who were under 24 had switched from social casino games to actual money games.
Meanwhile the Authority is working on a new regulatory framework that will be introduced in 2019.
