Dutch loss limit proposals to be put forward by end of 2023
Reformist politician Franc Weerwind to continue charge against industry as he looks to follow up marketing ban with new regulation
The Dutch government is set to produce further draconian legislation by the end of 2023 with new proposals on loss limits to be put forward.
Dutch Minister for Legal Protection Franc Weerwind, who has been at the vanguard of regulatory change in the Netherlands following the market’s regulation in October 2021, said loss limits would be a key focus in the coming months.
Weerwind has already successfully seen his proposal for restrictive marketing practices in the market approved, with the new measures set to come into effect on 1 July.
These measures include a ban on above-the-line advertising, with further restrictions on sports sponsorship to be ushered in on 1 July 2025.
In a letter penned by Weerwind, the politician confirmed that research is ongoing around loss limits, with two in-depth studies currently underway.
Proposed legislation on loss limits was due to be introduced in mid-2023 but this has now been postponed until the end of the year.
Weerwind said: “The exploration that has been carried out for this shows that in-depth research is needed to arrive at effective measures.
“This goes beyond just setting a limit. The drafting of regulations will take more time pending the results of these studies and I expect to have the outlines ready by the end of 2023.
“From this it has become clear to me that separate measures such as only an upper limit for playing limits are insufficiently effective to prevent excessive gaming behaviour,” he added.
Weerwind confirmed he would look to implement the changes relatively quickly as he continues to put his stamp on the Dutch gambling market.
He continued: “Additional preventive measures are necessary for an effective approach. With this in mind, I want to do more and develop a broad package of measures that can be introduced in a relatively short period of time.”