Dutch lobby group rails against “prescriptive” online gambling bill

Speel Verantwoord, a lobby group made up of operators including Bet365, Betsson and GVC, has called on the Dutch government to reconsider the Remote Gaming Bill, claiming that political issues and a lack of clarity are making the bill unworkable for operators.

The lobbying body said: “In comparison with the law and regulations in other jurisdictions, the rules which are in place in Holland are very prescriptive. In addition, the rules in the bill are too detailed on some points and vague on others, especially in areas of ministerial regulation.”

The group claims that the bill incorrectly assumes that most players will access egaming via their desktop, when statistics assert that Dutch punters typically favour accessing these sites via mobile or tablet. As a result, measures designed to protect consumers including single access logins and deposit limits are unenforceable.

It also claims that proposals to increase gambling taxation from 20% to 29% will have a negative effect on channelisation, driving consumers away from regulated Dutch sites and onto their unlicensed, untaxed counterparts.

Speel Verantwoord adds: “We also call the Minister to once again look at the total package of measures from the perspective of channelisation. After all, a high channelisation is the best consumer protection available.”

Speel also claims that the proposed extension period to the licensing application process is too long and calls for a maximum extension period of two months to maintain a level playing field between operators.

Finally, Speel Verantwoord asserts that a ban on the advertising of gambling is “undesirable” claiming that it will damage sporting associations that depend on operators for sponsorship.