Dutch and German regulators ramp up RG initiatives over festive period
GGL and KSA launch awareness campaigns and publish resources related to safer gambling for players in the run-up to holiday season
The German and Dutch regulators have launched responsible gambling awareness campaigns in the run-up to Christmas to better support consumers in the respective markets.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) debuted its “Get your life back on track, take a gambling break” campaign, following on from last year’s pilot campaign.
The trial found people responded better to the phrase “gambling break”, or “gokstop” in Dutch, leading the KSA to incorporate it into this year’s initiative.
The campaign will be primarily targeted towards young adults suffering from gambling-related harm.
The KSA said the initiative will run via social media rather than “traditional” mass media platforms, focusing on the positive effect a break from gambling can have on a person’s life.
Online videos featuring “powerful moments of young people who pick up their lives again” will be featured across Google, Meta, YouTube and Snapchat platforms.
In Germany, the federal gambling regulator GGL has warned players of the risk of betting with unlicensed operators during the Christmas period.
The watchdog cited lack of player protection and potentially rigged games as reasons for players to stay away from illegal gambling sites.
The GGL also reminded bettors that gambling with illegal operators could carry legal consequences such as imprisonment and fines, and that unverified operators could misuse their personal data.
In its guidance, the GGL included a whitelist of licensed operators as well as FAQs related to the black market.
The regulator said: “During the holiday season, online gambling can be particularly attractive for many people. There is evidence that holidays, including Christmas, can have an impact on gambling behaviour.
“Many gambling operators place increased emphasis on advertising and bonuses at this time, which can increase users’ willingness to gamble.”
It added: “Gambling during the holidays, which are often associated with more free time and emotional stress, is in some cases used as a way to cope with stress or negative feelings.
“The GGL appeals to players to inform themselves thoroughly in advance and, if necessary, only play with permitted providers. Over the holidays, the GGL will remain vigilant and continue its work in the fight against illegal gambling.”
In November, the KSA sent penalty payment warnings to two unlicensed operators shortly after it sent them cease-and-desist orders.
In September, the GGL announced that public whistleblowing had led to more than 60 unlicensed operators being shut down since January 2023.