The iGaming market is set to open this year in the Netherlands but there are concerns on player protection and exposing underage people to the gambling world

Sander Dekker, the Dutch Minister for Legal Protection, has vowed that the government will make sure that young adolescents and children will be protected when the iGaming market opens in October.

There has been many concerns regarding problem gambling and whether opening up the market will increase gambling-related harm. The Dutch Remote Gambling Act (KOA) has been delayed a number of times but Dekker has disclosed that the newly amended laws will come into effect by April and the market will open in October.

Upon preparation for these deadlines, Dekker was asked a number of questions by MP Stieneke van der Graff, who raised concerns over player protection, such as if younger players will be exposed to gambling advertisements.

Dekker clarified that, as part of the licensing requirements, licensees must make sure that adverts do not target young adults or children, therefore there is no need to implement Section B of Article 6.2 at an earlier stage.

Dekker also added that time restrictions on gambling ads will remain in place when the market launches.

For higher-risk games of chance, it is prohibited to broadcast adverts for this on television between 6am and 9pm.
For other games of chance, this prohibition applies between 6am and 7pm.

There was also concern regarding those who already may have a gambling problem and if they would receive any help.
The Legal Protection Minister stated that the tools focused on prevention were drawn up after working closely with experts in addiction prevention and care.

Furthermore, licencees will be made to ensure that they have policies in place to prevent addiction problems while also offer support to anyone suffering.

Companies will be able to do this by receiving expert advice when compiling information on addiction prevention.

Source: iGamingbusiness

SiGMA News:
Offered in 10 key languages,?SiGMA?is the only events and media company that brings you round-the-clock coverage of this growing global phenomenon from reporters all around the world, with content covering everything from podcasts to in depth interviews and thought leadership articles. SiGMA believes in regulated and responsible gaming and are advocates for regulation worldwide – which is why they’ve built solid relationships with authorities like MGA, Coljuegos, PAGCOR, and other leading stakeholders.