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iCasino rebrands as Hard Rock Casino NL, excludes young adults ...and more!

Teun Struycken (NSC) responsible for gambling policy

Today it was confirmed that State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken (NSC) will be responsible for gambling policy in the Netherlands’ incoming government.


Struycken represents Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC), a party which promised to reverse the legalization of online gambling in its electoral program.


Although an eventual repeal of the Remote Gambling Act is not yet a particularly likely scenario, it is not good news for the sector that someone representing NSC will oversee gambling policy.


Ministry of Justice and Security releases study on attitudes toward gambling

The Ministry of Justice and Security released a study it commissioned that investigates attitudes toward gambling in the Netherlands.


Specifically, the study investigated:

  1. Play frequency and other choices made during play

  2. Motives for participating in games of chance

  3. Experiences with play or deposit limits

  4. General attitude toward gambling and win chance

  5. Perceived risks associated with gambling

  6. Familiarity with prevention and addiction care offerings

  7. Exposure to advertising


The study shows that most players make healthy choices about their gambling behavior. Online players skew younger than players who exclusively make use of land-based offerings. Online players also tend to exhibit somewhat riskier attitudes and behaviors than land-based players.


However, the study defines “online players” as players who played online and possibly also at a physical venue, while “land-based players” are defined as players who exclusively played at a physical venue.


Thus, it may very well be the case that the risk factor is not online play, but rather a player's desire to make use of multiple channels (which can also be reasonably associated with a higher frequency of play and therefore riskier behavior is general).


NOGA Director Peter-Paul de Goeij steps down

After five years at the helm of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), Peter-Paul de Goeij has stepped down as the organization's director.


Eric Konings will replace de Goeij on an interim basis, in which role he will be supported by Frans van Steenis, former CEO of the Netherlands State Lottery.


NOGA also announced a “strategic reorientation.” Discussions on a merger between NOGA and VNLOK, the other online gambling trade association in the Netherlands, have been intermittently going on for the last several years.  


Remko de Boer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NOGA, commented: "We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his efforts over the past five years, during which times he has significantly contributed to the transformation from Speel Verantwoord to NOGA.


"We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim Director. However, we do not expect the coming period to be any less turbulent. That is why we as a board have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation.”


Speaking on his resignation, de Goeij said: "The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am now stepping down, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to strive for a safe and responsible gambling offer.”


Netherlands Gambling Authority announces harsher penalties for operating gambling terminals

The Netherlands Gambling Authority has announced significantly harsher penalties for operating land-based gambling terminals.


Under the new rules, the basic fines for each illegal gambling device have been substantially increased, now ranging from €25,000 to €100,000 per device, compared to the former range of €7,500 to €20,000.


New KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen to speak at iGB L!ive

Incoming Netherlands Gambling Authority, Chair Michel Groothuizen will make his first public appearance at iGB L!ve, where he will participate in a session titled “From Ad Bans to Slot Bans: Is the Netherlands Still Competitive?”


The session will focus on how to combat the risks of a return to the black market, the challenges in combating illegal offers, and the importance of international cooperation.


iGB L!ive will take place July 16-19 in Amsterdam, with Groothuizen's presentation scheduled for July 17.


Other events

The following event(s) may be of interest to the GiH community.


  • The 14th European Conference on Gambling Studies and Policy Issues, organized by the European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG), will be held September 10-13, 2024, in Rome, Italy.


  • The 2024 Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin on November 5, 2024. Save the date!


iCasino rebrands as Hard Rock Casino NL, excludes young adults

iCasino, which recently acquired the Netherlands’ 29th remote gambling license, has rebranded as Hard Rock Casino NL, just prior to going live.


The rebranding came after iCasino BV and Hard Rock Digital entered into a brand licensing agreement for an initial period of five years.


iCasino BV is headed by Paul Strikers, a well-known figure in the Dutch gambling market who previously worked for Novomatic and headed Eurocoin Interactive.


Hard Rock Casino NL positions itself as a “rebellious,” “genuine,” “accessible,” and “relaxed” alternative to existing offerings.


Under the terms of its license, Hard Rock Casino NL will be able to offer online casino games, but not sports betting or poker. Hard Rock Casino NL runs on a platform provided by the Bragg Gaming Group.


Hard Rock Casino NL's most distinct characteristic, however, is that it has decided to not accept young adults as players. As young adults aged 18-23 are automatically classified as vulnerable players in the Netherlands, this promises to significantly simplify marketing and CRM compliance for the newly launched operator.


Other news

One in fifteen high schoolers gambles online in the Netherlands, a new study by Trimbos Instituut shows.


The JVH gaming & entertainment Group has lost its appeal against a €400,000 fine imposed by the Netherlands Gambling Authority for sending marketing messages to young adults.

Starting January 1, 2025, game suppliers in the Danish regulated market must be licensed. License applications can be submitted starting September 1, 2024.

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