Authorities in the Netherlands and Belgium tightened online gambling laws with the hope of creating a safe gaming space and reducing the number of young adults attracted to gaming activities.
Prior to the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), players in the Netherlands and Belgium were prohibited from gambling online. Players can now freely play casino games over the internet, but the neighbouring states are doing their part to protect players from losing control.
Universal Loss Limit, Financial Risk Checks, Legal Gambling Age Raise
Earlier in February, the Ministry of Justice and Security announced a universal loss limit with aims to reduce the deposit limits allowed by all licensed operators in these two countries. The change was partitioned by Mirjam Bikker, ChristenUnie (CU) party leader and member of Parliament (MP) in the Netherlands.
The Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, whose job is to oversee KOA reforms, disagreed with the proposal, arguing that it was necessary since a financial risk check had already been incorporated and approved. Instead, Weerwind proposed a €150 spend restriction on the gambling accounts of anyone under 24.
Meanwhile, Belgium raised the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. The new gambling legislation has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies in hopes of having youths involved in more productive activities.
Motion to Introduce Online Gambling Advertising Ban Failed; Stricter Financial Penalties Expected
CDA MP Derk Bosswijk proposed the motion to introduce an online gambling advertising ban, which fell short by six votes. However, the proposal was useful, and the Dutch minister thought that overreaching player limits must be included in the KOA acts going forward.
While operators will be allowed to advertise online gaming, Michiel Van Nispan, a former member of the House of Representatives, recommended stricter financial penalties for operators who violate gambling laws and received support from MPs.
These include a fine of 10% of turnover for companies that violate the KOA regulations and licence revocation for those businesses that fail to protect players.
With the new changes, both Belgium and the Netherlands try to protect players from major losses and divert their youth from potential harms of gambling.
