Dutch Opposition Parties Propose Motion to Ban Online Gambling Advertising
The proposal was put forward by Mirjam Bikker, leader of the ChristenUnie, and Sarah Dobbe of the Socialist Party.
Opposition parties in the Netherlands have introduced a motion calling for a ban on online gambling advertising, citing concerns about rising levels of problem gambling since the country’s regulated market opened.
The proposal was put forward by Mirjam Bikker, leader of the ChristenUnie, and Sarah Dobbe of the Socialist Party. Both politicians argue that the growth of the online gambling market since regulation was introduced in 2021 has coincided with an increase in gambling participation.
According to figures cited by the parties, around 450,000 new players have joined the regulated market since its launch. They also claim that young adults aged between 18 and 21 now account for roughly 22% of all online gambling accounts in the country.
Bikker said the expansion of the sector had made gambling increasingly visible in everyday life.
“The slot machine is now literally in your pocket, and in shopping streets you see gambling advertisements everywhere,” she said.
The motion proposes stricter limits on marketing activity by online gambling operators, including a potential ban on advertising aimed at reducing exposure among younger audiences.
The Netherlands opened its regulated online gambling market in October 2021 following the implementation of the Remote Gambling Act. Since then, regulators and policymakers have periodically reviewed advertising rules and player protection measures.
If adopted, the proposal could lead to further restrictions on how licensed operators promote betting and gaming services in the Dutch market.
