Dutch politicians mull phased approach to gambling age increases

In a parliamentary debate concerning the ongoing reform of gambling laws in the Netherlands, politicians proposed a phased implementation of an increased gambling age to combat the allure of black market options for young players.

During a recent session of the parliamentary standing committee for justice and security on March 28, State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken engaged in discussions about pivotal areas of concern within the gambling sector and the broader reform process currently underway.

Though the existing regulations were implemented in 2021, a comprehensive review initiated in early 2024 has raised significant legal and consumer safety concerns, signaling a necessary evolution of the legal framework. This reassessment has revealed critical areas where player protections are inadequate.

In response, the government has pledged to overhaul existing legislation, with a revised Remote Gambling Act anticipated to be presented to parliament by year’s end.

Prioritizing the Fight Against Illegal Gambling

In this latest cross-party dialogue, members of parliament—including Rosemarijn Dral, Peter Smitskam, Michiel van Nispen, and Mikal Tseggai—joined Struycken to tackle several pressing issues highlighted in preceding written submissions. Topics encompassed public perceptions of gambling, the societal impact of proposed increases in gambling tax, and strategies for enhancing market regulation.

A focal point of the debate encompassed the burgeoning illegal gambling market and the pressing need to address problem gambling rates. Disturbingly, reports indicate that approximately 13% of gamblers involved in games of chance within the past year qualify as problem gamblers.

The Ongoing Debate on Age Restrictions

A consensus emerged among legislators to intensify efforts to suppress illegal market operations. Struycken emphasized a phased approach to raising the minimum gambling age, particularly in regards to slot machines, citing concerns that a sudden increase to 21 might drive younger adults toward unregulated platforms. This gradual adjustment aims to provide a legal framework that accommodates the existing player base.

Last week, Struycken also participated in an initial roundtable where stakeholders shared insights on the proposed legislative changes. His suggestion to increase the minimum age emerged from discussions held in February concerning the future direction of the gambling reform initiative.

Christian Union leader Mirjam Bikker voiced reservations about the raising age, arguing that enforcement challenges could arise when targeting specific gaming types. She proposed a holistic age limit of 21 years across all forms of gambling. Bikker criticized the efficacy of the current Remote Gambling Act, labeling it a “complete failure,” a sentiment echoed by fellow MPs Koops and Van Dijk who asserted that the existing regulations fall woefully short of current needs.

Furthermore, Bikker expressed concerns regarding the involvement of industry stakeholders in the reform discussions, arguing for the exclusion of those with vested interests to ensure an unbiased development of policy.

Illegal Gambling: A Growing Shadow Over Legal Markets

Discussion also included a striking report from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) indicating that illegal gambling activities outpace legal gambling markets in terms of player expenditure. MP Dral advocated for intensified scrutiny on these illegal sites, emphasizing that players lack adequate protections and often turn to illicit platforms due to impediments faced within legal operations.

Smitskam added to this narrative, highlighting that a crackdown on illegal sites would not only enhance player safety but also bolster tax revenues. However, he warned that increased regulatory measures could inadvertently invite more unauthorized operators to enter the Dutch market.

In this context, Wijen-Nass from the Farmer–Citizen Movement urged search engines and internet service providers to take greater responsibility for combating illegal gambling advertisements. She revealed alarming statistics, indicating that Google profits around €20 million annually from such ads, underscoring the necessity for greater accountability in protecting consumers from unregulated gambling platforms.

Wijen-Nass also addressed the future implications of gambling taxation by suggesting a differentiated tax approach for various gambling formats.

The Proposal of a Task Force to Combat Illegal Gambling

The conversation shifted towards the formation of a dedicated task force aimed at addressing illegal gambling activities. Dral expressed her support for this initiative, which has gained traction among multiple trade organizations calling for proactive measures.

Struycken confirmed that discussions regarding the establishment of such a task force are currently in progress, reflecting a commitment to enhancing regulatory actions against illegal gambling operations while ensuring robust protections for players in the evolving landscape of the Dutch gambling industry.