Dutch mental health body calls for total ban on online gambling advertising

The Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care (De Nederlandse ggz) is calling for an outright ban on online gambling advertising, arguing that even limited exposure poses significant risks for young people and those vulnerable to addiction.

The Netherlands partially banned gambling advertising in July, prohibiting ads across traditional media such as television, radio, and print, and in public spaces. However, targeted ads are still permitted on streaming platforms, social media, direct mail, and in online gaming environments, provided they do not appeal to minors. 

However, De Nederlandse ggz argues that these exemptions still leave young people at risk, with the organization’s chair, Ruth Peetoom, expressing concerns about the normalization of gambling among youth.

“Young people are particularly susceptible to addiction risks,” said Peetoom. “The younger people find gambling normal, the greater the chance of problematic gambling later in life.”

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), reported that people aged 18 to 23 made up 22% of online gambling accounts in late 2023. Additionally, data from LADIS, the national alcohol and drugs database, revealed that 2,456 people sought treatment for gambling addiction in 2023, marking a year-over-year increase.

Peetoom cited findings suggesting that gambling operators use social media influencers and terms like “free money” to attract young audiences on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. These tactics, she said, are reminiscent of advertising methods used by the tobacco industry.

“Young people are very sensitive to stimuli such as ‘fast money’ and are influenced by role models,” Peetoom added. “The online gambling industry also makes clever use of this.”

In addition to the advertising ban, De Nederlandse ggz is urging gambling operators to improve their duty of care, with Peetoom calling for the KSA to enforce stricter compliance. “The rules regarding the duty of care of gambling providers must also be formulated more strictly. Supervision of problematic gambling and the duty of care of online gambling providers must also improve,” she added.