{"id":532481,"date":"2026-06-13T00:29:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T00:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/532481\/"},"modified":"2026-06-13T00:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T00:29:10","slug":"netherlands-to-introduce-complete-ban-on-online-gambling-ads-bonuses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/532481\/","title":{"rendered":"Netherlands to introduce complete ban on online gambling ads, bonuses"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dutch government plans to ban online gambling advertising and bonuses under a broad tightening of the country\u2019s regulated market.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The proposed package of reforms also includes centralised deposit limits, stronger affordability checks and wider powers against illegal operators. It will require legislation before taking effect.<\/p>\n

Justice and Security State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen announced the proposals today (12 June). She cited rising gambling participation and increased addiction since legal online wagering began.<\/p>\n

The country\u2019s regulated market opened on 1 October 2021. Ministers now say young adults remain increasingly exposed to gambling-related debt and addiction.<\/p>\n

Under the plan, licensed operators could no longer advertise online gambling or offer inducements. This would include free bets provided when customers open accounts.<\/p>\n

The Netherlands already bans gambling advertisements using role models, while untargeted advertising for remote gambling has also been prohibited since July 2023.<\/p>\n

Officials concluded those restrictions had not reduced public exposure enough, as young people still encounter substantial amounts of gambling advertising.<\/p>\n

In addition to the advertising ban, an overarching deposit limit would cover gambling across all licensed online platforms. Players seeking higher limits would first face an affordability assessment.<\/p>\n

That review could examine payment arrears, personal finances and whether someone is under guardianship or financial administration. The stated aim is preventing unaffordable losses.<\/p>\n

The government also wants changes to Cruks, the national gambling exclusion register. Under the plans, voluntary exclusions could remain open-ended instead of ending automatically after a defined period.<\/p>\n

Relatives or financial administrators would also gain an easier route to request another person\u2019s registration, while links between Cruks and treatment services would also be strengthened.<\/p>\n

Additionally, enforcement proposals include blocking illegal gambling websites. New statutory duties could cover payment providers, hosting companies and others supporting unlicensed operations.<\/p>\n

Van Bruggen will develop the measures through a bill and a longer-term programme addressing gambling harm. Officials are also studying whether to cap the numbers of licences available in the market.<\/p>\n

Europe cracks down on gambling<\/p>\n

The Dutch move follows a wider European shift towards tighter online gambling controls.<\/p>\n

Great Britain introduced maximum online slots stakes<\/a> last year. The limit is \u00a35 for players aged 25 or older and \u00a32 for younger adults.<\/p>\n

British rules effective from January 2026 also banned mixed-product promotions, while bonus wagering requirements were capped at ten times the bonus amount.<\/p>\n

Belgium raised the minimum gambling age to 21 in September 2024. The change applied a common threshold to betting and casino gambling.<\/p>\n

Previously, Italy had imposed a wider gambling advertising prohibition through its 2018 Dignity Decree.<\/p>\n

The measure covers direct and indirect promotion across television, print, websites and social media. However, it has been the source of controversy and is still being debated<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ireland has moved towards<\/a> a national licensing system under its Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Key provisions began in February 2026.<\/p>\n

Those measures include credit-card restrictions, player-set monetary limits and enforcement powers against unlicensed operators. Ireland\u2019s regulator can begin licensing remote operators from July.<\/p>\n

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