A ban on on-line gambling within the Netherlands would possibly per chance presumably result in almost half of of at-chance gamers switching to illegal on-line casinos, per a brand new scrutinize.
The Online Gaming Barometer 2024, the annual scrutinize of Dutch gambling published by substitute association Netherlands Online Playing Affiliation (NOGA), stumbled on a decrease in at-chance gamers as a share of overall gamblers. Then but again, it’s a long way argued that participant security would possibly per chance presumably in actual fact be weakened have to mute the accurate sector be impacted by proposals to expand taxes and further limit games, similar to on-line slots.
The scrutinize, conducted by Ipsos, adjudged 39% of gamblers to be notify gamers in 2024 when in contrast to 42% in 2023. Ipsos’ scrutinize thought about them notify gamers if they’d lied about how noteworthy they’d gambled or felt the flee to wager extra.
Dutch gamblers would possibly per chance presumably switch to illegal web sites
When asked if they’d switch to an illegal provider if their new correct provider was once banned, some 47% of at-chance gamers agreed. Very top 25% of that cohort disagreed. The number was once at 37% amongst all gamers and 31% amongst no-chance gamers.
One day of the at-chance neighborhood, forty eight% acknowledged they’d switch provider if they’d to boom proof of earnings. 41% acknowledged they’d switch to a special provider if they reached their monetary taking half in limit.
With channelisation at 95% – effectively above the aim fee of 80% – NOGA warned that the scrutinize results counsel a clampdown on the accurate sector would simply drive established gamers to unlicensed web sites. These operators ticket no longer pay gambling taxes and wouldn’t alternate their offering no matter amendments to Dutch legislation.
“95% is a blinding share, but it also map that around 90,000 Dutch of us mute gamble at illegal casinos,” acknowledged Peter-Paul de Goeij , director at NOGA.
“It is necessary to decrease the illegal supply as a long way as that you may perchance presumably presumably imagine. The upcoming stricter legislation is driving chance gamers in articulate to illegal providers. Menace gamers are of us that in most cases lie about their gambling behaviour or wager extra money than they supposed. These are gamers who deserve additional security. Stricter measures would possibly per chance presumably honest be counterproductive right here.”
What else did the Dutch gambling scrutinize rep?
A total of two,806 Dutch of us ancient 18 years and older were interviewed for the scrutinize. They were asked questions about topics similar to awareness of the gambling market and participation. Various areas integrated advertising, channelisation and combating gambling addiction.
In step with the scrutinize, one in six Dutch of us (16%) gambled on-line final yr. This increases the series of gamers for the second yr in a row, with 13% and 11% in 2023 and 2022 respectively. As in old years, the half of gamers is better amongst young adults ancient 18-34 (29%).
The NOGA scrutinize stumbled on that tightened advertising concepts seem like having some attain. Whereas almost three-quarters of Dutch of us (72%) in most cases look advertising, that is down from 80% in 2022.
No matter two-thirds of gamers no longer vivid recognise an unlicensed provider, almost all scream they play with a licensed provider.
Of some measures to present protection to gamers (each oldschool and doubtlessly new), a month-to-month taking half in limit per person is basically the most relied on and the least relied on is a self-imposed “gambling freeze”.
Suggestions to improve Dutch gambling protection
Following the scrutinize, Ipsos made two solutions to improve Dutch gambling protection. Before all the pieces, identifying doubtlessly unhealthy gaming behaviour to reside addiction. Secondly, taking a necessary respect at the on-line advertising activities of gambling providers.
“In step with the Dutch, the accountability for identifying chance gamers lies with the providers,” acknowledged Ipsos. “Therefore, rob this role and the additional accountability of care seriously. Attempt to name preventive chance behaviour. Title the neighborhood of chance gamers and intervene in a effectively timed manner to reside accurate gambling addiction.”
On advertising, Ipsos acknowledged: “It is going to be that some providers ticket no longer totally comply with the tips. Therefore, be cautious that affiliated providers comply with on-line advertising rules, in every other case further tightening would possibly per chance presumably honest notice.”
The scrutinize comes within the middle of substitute notify over increasing law and the aptitude attain it’s a long way having on sunless market passion.
Earlier this month, a coalition settlement proposed an expand of the gambling tax to 37.8% from the new 30.5%. The alternate would provide the inform treasury with an additional €202m (£173.3m/$219.6m) in tax. NOGA answered with its concerns that such alterations would possibly per chance presumably drive operators in opposition to the sunless market.
The proposed tax rise follows a vote earlier this yr by the home of representatives to ban “excessive-chance” gambling, including on-line slots. The Netherlands minister for correct security Franc Weerwind will now overview and fabricate a decision on whether or no longer to approve the legislation alternate.
The home also voted to ban on-line gambling advertising, with untargeted advertising already banned following a legislation alternate in 2023.
Source: iGamingBusiness
