Zona de Azar Netherlands – Netherlands Reforms Gambling Laws to Protect Users

Netherlands.- February 18, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com The Dutch cabinet is taking steps to reduce the problems caused by online gambling, including raising the minimum age for “risky” games to 21 and imposing limits on how much punters can gamble.

In addition, legal protection minister Teun Struycken said after the weekly cabinet meeting, advertising for gambling will be further restricted, and it will become easier to block illegal gambling sites operating in the Netherlands without a permit.

The online gambling market was legalised in the Netherlands in 2021, leading to growing concerns about its impact, particularly on young people.

“Gambling has become normalised for youngsters,” Struycken said. “At the same time, we know they are especially vulnerable to addiction. And once you are addicted, it is difficult to quit.”

The Dutch gaming authority reported on Friday that, since legalisation, more people have started gambling online and more individuals are experiencing difficulties. Problem gamblers are also increasingly turning to illegal sites.

The authority said Dutch gamblers spent an estimated €300 million on illegal gambling sites in the final three months of last year.

New rules introduced last October have had an impact, the authority said. Since then, gambling companies have been required to contact players directly if they wish to set a monthly limit above €350. Players under 24 are restricted to a legal maximum of €150 per month.

Edited by @pererarte   www.zonadeazar.com