Opening Dutch gambling market causes increase in gambling addiction

With the introduction of the new gambling law in 2021, gambling has been normalized in the Netherlands. Christian Union leader Mirjam Bikker is very concerned about this development and points out the dangers for young people.

According to Bikkers, the Netherlands was naive by introducing this law without taking the right measures to protect vulnerable groups. Bikker believes that urgent action is needed to limit the impact of the law, such as setting an overall playing limit.

Increase in gambling addiction

In 2023, the number of gambling addicts being treated will have increased by 24 percent. This comes as no surprise to Bikker. She already warned at the time about the consequences of the new law and now notices that addiction authorities are sounding the alarm.

According to Bikkers, the increase in gambling advertisements when the law was introduced has contributed to the normalization of gambling. Bikker emphasizes how easy it is nowadays to take a gamble via a smartphone, which makes young people especially vulnerable to addiction.

Legal gambling sites

Eric Konings, director of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), sees advantages in the new law. He points out that Dutch people can now gamble legally with reliable providers who comply with strict duties of care.

This is in contrast to illegal gambling sites, where minors have easy access and payments are unreliable. Konings understands Bikker’s concerns, but emphasizes that we live in a digital age where online betting has become indispensable.

Playing Limits

According to Konings, it is impossible to roll back regulation without enormous enforcement capacity. Bikker advocates making gambling less accessible to young people and limiting gambling advertisements around sports matches. She is happy with the steps that have already been taken, but believes that more needs to be done.
One of her proposals is an overarching playing limits, so that players cannot continue to gamble with different providers after reaching their limit. Bikker hopes that the gambling industry will embrace these limits to better combat gambling addiction.