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Dutch Lower House unexpectedly calls for ban on untargeted gambling advertising
Last week, the Dutch Lower House adopted several motions that are likely to lead to significant additional gambling advertising restrictions, including a motion that calls on the Dutch government to introduce a ban on untargeted or “indiscriminate” gambling advertising.
While the term “indiscriminate” remains undefined in the adopted motion on gambling advertising, it would almost certainly include all broadcast and most online gambling advertising and could even extend to billboards and shirt sponsorships.
It seems likely that future permitted gambling advertising would require some sort of opt-in action by the viewer, for instance by visiting a certain website or social media channel. The proposed ban would not apply to lottery advertising.
It should be noted, however, that parliamentary motions are formally non-binding and do not have the status of legislation. Furthermore, the government continues to oppose a ban on, e.g., broadcast gambling advertising and sponsorships. Even so, it remains rare for Dutch governments to completely ignore the expressed wishes of Parliament.
Also, the specifics of how, exactly, a ban on untargeted gambling advertising would be implemented remain unclear.
Depending on how far-reaching any new measures would be, a change in primary legislation might be necessary. At the very least, the government would need to issue a new General Administrative Order (AMvB). Generally, the more far-reaching a proposed advertising restriction would be, the greater the legislative care that needs to be taken to ensure that the measure will hold up to judicial review.
In either case, it will take at least several months – perhaps significantly longer – before any new advertising regulation can be introduced.
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Dutch land-based casinos to close until at least January 14
Due to concerns over the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the Netherlands has entered a new lockdown until at least January 14.
All non-essential shops and venues, including all land-based gambling establishments, will be closed for the duration of the new lockdown period.
Netherlands Gambling Authority warns operator to cease advertising live odds
The Netherlands Gambling Authority has reminded a licensed operator of the prohibition on the advertising of betting odds through third-party channels when matches are in progress.
The unnamed operator had arranged for live odds to be displayed on Dutch football website eredivisie.nl, which is not allowed during matches or shortly prior to kick-off.
Earlier this month, the Dutch regulator reprimanded an operator for advertising betting odds on a different football website, VI.nl, without clearly indicating that the listed odds were click-through ads.
ICE London postponed
Due to rising concern regarding the Omicron variant of Covid-19, ICE London and ICE Vox 2022, which were scheduled to run on 31 January-3 February 2022, have been postponed to spring next year, with new dates to be confirmed soon.
“This comes as really disappointing news for everyone connected with ICE London and iGB Affiliate London,” Clarion Gaming managing director Stuart Hunter said.
“However, in what is a rapidly changing situation, it became clear that we could not provide the certainty that our customers need in terms of logistical planning, from the construction of stands to the transportation of equipment, as well as the booking of flights and accommodation.”
Other news
The Netherlands Gambling Authority has denied a freedom of information request for “all information, documents, and correspondence” concerning all remote license applicants.
Evolution has launched a localized dedicated live casino environment for JVH gaming & entertainment group in the Netherlands.
GGPoker has signed sponsorship deals with Dutch top league football sides NEC Nijmegen and Go Ahead Eagles.
Malta Gaming Authority CTO Jason Farrugia has stepped down from his role with the regulator following allegations that he improperly used and provided access to commercially sensitive data.