The Dutch House of Representatives narrowly voted for two motions by the Socialist Party to ban online gaming ads and some “high-risk” online casino games, including slots, Yogonet reported April 17.
The sponsor of the bill MP Michiel van Nispen said the laws are needed to fight gambling addiction: “The KOA market is sick through and through. Every day that these companies continue their bad practices, more people become addicted to gambling,” he said.
Last year a similar ban failed to get enough support. It dovetails with restrictions imposed by the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act), which prohibits gambling ads on TV, radio, print, and billboards.
The lawmakers also supported banning ads for “high-risk” casino games, with slots particularly singled out. They argued that players have little control over the outcomes of such games, which makes them more harmful.
The proposed laws will now be reviewed by the minister for legal protection.
Critics argue that such a stringent ban will fuel the revival of black-market gaming, depriving the government of tax revenue.
