A Dutch cross-party group has proposed a “two-strikes-and-you’re-out” rule for operators that consistently target young people in their marketing efforts.
The proposal comes as Dutch MPs look to take a tougher stance on gambling advertising. The new legislation would see any gambling operator that displays ads that reach anyone aged under 24 on two occasions have its license to operate suspended with immediate effect.
The new rule was proposed in a series of ten questions submitted to parliament by Mirjam Bikker (Christian Union) Michel van Nispen (Socialist Party), Kees van der Staaij (Reformed Political Party) and Songül Mutluer (Labour).
According to local laws, all untargeted gambling advertising, both digital and physical is not permitted. However, while this legislation was passed, the implementation of the rule has been delayed. Despite the delay, operators have been told that targeted ads must not reach those aged under 24.
The newly proposed ‘two strikes’ rule comes shortly after the gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit, issued fines to both JOI Gaming and TOTO Online for advertising their products to young adults. The MPs suggested to legal protections minister Franc Weerwind that more could be done to prevent such breaches.
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