Dutch Health Body wants to Ban all Online Gambling Ads
The Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care, known as De Nederlandse ggz, is calling for a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertisements in the Netherlands. This move, aimed at protecting young people and vulnerable individuals, builds on existing regulations that already prohibit celebrities from participating in gambling ads due to their strong appeal to younger audiences.
Health Concerns Over Online Gambling Advertising
Chairwoman Ruth Peetoom emphasized the urgency of stricter laws, stating, “It’s crucial to impose a general advertising ban on online gambling. Young people are currently too easily exposed to addiction risks.” Peetoom voiced concern over gambling ads on platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, where companies promote “free money” schemes that exploit young people’s susceptibility to the lure of fast cash and influential role models. She likened the tactics used by gambling companies to those of the tobacco industry, warning that the normalization of gambling among youth could lead to increased cases of gambling addiction later in life.
The Netherlands already enforces measures to limit gambling ads targeting young people, but De Nederlandse ggz believes these are insufficient, as gambling companies continue pushing the boundaries to reach younger audiences. Recent data shows a growing number of people in the Netherlands seeking help for gambling addiction, with 2,456 cases recorded in 2023 alone.
Broader Industry Implications and Additional Stance
While Holland Casino advocates for a gradual increase in taxes on gambling, this proposal for a blanket advertising ban has sparked wider debate about responsible gambling practices.
In line with these concerns, we stand firmly against gambling advertising and oppose online casino streaming. These forms of media only deepen exposure to gambling’s risks and can normalize gambling behaviors, particularly among younger viewers.
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Glad to see the Netherlands stepping up! Online gambling ads are way too tempting for young people, and a ban would make it harder for these companies to prey on them.
I get that gambling can be harmful, but a total ban seems extreme. Shouldn’t there be more balanced regulation rather than outright bans? Educating people could be just as effective.
The comparison to the tobacco industry is spot on. Gambling companies know exactly how to reel in young audiences, and it’s a dangerous game. Full support for a complete ban on these ads!
Finally, someone is taking action! Gambling ads are everywhere, and it’s about time we put a stop to this targeting of young people. Protecting youth should be the priority.