The Dutch authorities is getting ready a major revision of its playing coverage, with plans to current the up to date framework to the House of Representatives by March 2025. Teun Struycken, the Dutch minister for authorized safety, revealed this initiative in response to parliamentary questions, highlighting the necessity for adjustments in each the net and land-based playing markets.
Balancing Competition in Gambling Markets
The deliberate coverage replace follows issues raised by MP Michiel van Nispen in regards to the contrasting aggressive dynamics within the on-line and land-based playing sectors. Van Nispen identified that whereas the Remote Gambling Act has pushed sturdy competitors within the on-line playing market, it has additionally created “undesirable financial incentives.”
Conversely, the land-based playing market stays dominated by Holland Casino, a state-owned monopoly. Van Nispen questioned whether or not opening this sector to extra licensed operators might enhance competitors and supply higher client choices.
Struycken acknowledged the outdated nature of the present playing coverage, established in 2011, and acknowledged that the revised framework would handle these imbalances. “By March 2025, I will send my vision on the future development and objectives of gambling policy,” he mentioned. “In this, I will include considerations regarding competition in the market.”
Revisiting State Ownership of Holland Casino
Van Nispen additionally raised questions in regards to the state’s function in proudly owning Holland Casino. Struycken referred to a May 2023 analysis which concluded that state possession is “not strictly necessary” for attaining coverage targets.
The analysis acknowledged that whereas state possession facilitates management over measures to fight playing habit, defend customers, and handle gambling-related crimes, it additionally limits market competitors. Struycken didn’t rule out exploring various choices, stating, “The added value of shareholding is not weighty enough that further exploration of other future options would be ruled out in advance.”
The minister additional famous monetary challenges for land-based operators due to components comparable to the smoking ban, pandemic-related closures, and an impending playing tax hike. Holland Casino has warned that the tax improve could drive department closures or curtail its on-line operations. Discussions between the federal government and Holland Casino on these issues are ongoing, with updates anticipated by summer time 2025.
Clarifying the Distinction Between Online and Land-based Gambling
Another key focus of the revised coverage is distinguishing between on-line and land-based playing. Van Nispen emphasised the necessity for readability in addressing dangers and client safety measures throughout these codecs.
Struycken affirmed that the brand new coverage will handle this distinction, prioritizing client security and habit prevention. “An important aspect is the risk of addiction or other gambling-related harm that emanates from certain types of games of chance,” he acknowledged.
He additional defined that changes to the net playing market would take priority, with particular proposals outlined in a letter to be offered for debate on March 27, 2025.
Source:
Dutch New Gambling Policy March 2025, igamingbusiness.com, December 17, 2024.
