In a recent episode of Vandaag Inside, the popular and high-profile Dutch TV programme, Johan Derksen (critic) and Chris Woerts (sports marketer), spoke out vehemently against the current gambling policy in the Netherlands. According to them, the strict rules are causing more and more people to divert to illegal gambling sites.
Derksen called the policy unrealistic and patronising. He mainly blamed the Christian parties.
‘Those people are singing in church on Sundays, but have no idea what is really going on,’ he said at the table with presenter Wilfred Genee.
According to Derksen, this policy only causes people to get out of sight of supervision and help.
‘Just let people take a gamble. Now you’re chasing them into illegality.’
Chris Woerts sees sport as biggest victim of new gambling rules
Chris Woerts, regular guest on Vandaag Inside, pointed out the effect of the rules on the sports world. He indicated that sports clubs will lose tens of millions due to the upcoming ban on sponsorship by gambling companies. That measure will take effect on 1 July 2025.
Woerts compared the situation to other countries in Europe. There, gambling companies are often still allowed to just sponsor.
‘It is completely divorced from reality,’ he said. ‘Sports are the victim.’
He also attacked MPs Michiel van Nispen and Mirjam Bikker, who support the ban. According to Woerts, they are doing it purely for show, without looking at the consequences for clubs and athletes.
Comparison with alcohol makes hypocrisy painfully clear, according to Woerts
During the talk, Woerts cited a striking comparison. He pointed to the difference in approach between gambling and alcohol. According to him, about 2,400 people in the Netherlands struggle with a gambling addiction, while the number of alcohol addicts is 10 times higher.
Yet, according to Woerts, you can just buy ten bottles of whisky at the Gall & Gall without anyone making a fuss.
‘But if someone places a bet once, suddenly it’s panic,’ he said.
His point was clear: the measure strikes a nerve and lacks balance. And by overregulating the legal market, we are losing sight of where people are really gambling.
Mike de Graaff calls for better-informed media
Not only Today Inside was criticised, the programme Kassa was also mentioned. Mike de Graaff, managing director of BetComply, responded via LinkedIn to the broadcasts. He felt the programmes portrayed gambling too negatively and one-sidedly.
De Graaff called for more depth. He thinks editors should read up better and experts should come to the table more often. According to him, there is definitely room for improvement in the gambling sector, but it should be discussed in an informed manner.
He also responded to earlier criticism levelled at Holland Casino. Among other things, the extra figure at roulette and the price increases of food and drinks were discussed there. De Graaff pointed to the increased gaming tax and called Las Vegas a totally different situation.
‘Holland is no Nevada,’ he stressed.