The Dutch Minister for Legal Protection, Frank Weerwind, has officially declared the commencement of a multi-year initiative designed to enhance digital resilience in response to increasing concerns regarding cybercrimes linked to online wagering.
In response to concerns expressed by members of parliament affiliated with the Socialist Party, the Christian Union, and the Christian Democratic Appeal, a nationwide initiative was launched. More precisely, the endeavor of match-fixing facilitated by social media platforms was subject to critical examination.
The Minister explained that the purpose of the campaign was to inform Dutch citizens of the potential dangers associated with online deception and to increase their awareness of cyber security. Initially, the focus would be on the younger demographic of society. It would equip them with the knowledge and ability to recognize fraudulent offers and detect the distinctive indicators of schemes.
Weerwind expressed concern regarding the targeting of vulnerable segments of society, such as young people, by online fraudsters. However, he further stated that there is currently insufficient evidence to support claims of their involvement in match-fixing.
The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), issued a warning to operators in 2022, discouraging them from employing prominent role models, influencers, or former professional athletes for marketing purposes on the internet. Their potential allure to the younger demographic could result in their development of problem gambling tendencies.
The Minister for Legal Protection of the Netherlands affirms that prevention of addiction and responsible gambling are fundamental objectives of his administration.
Weerwind has consistently addressed growing apprehensions regarding the potential negative consequences of wagering ever since its legalization in the bc game login Netherlands on October 1, 2021. Preventing wagering addiction was one of the primary objectives outlined in his policy, according to his statement. He recalled to the public the measures that had been completed thus far in order to enhance and refine the Remote Gaming Act’s regulations.
The Dutch Minister for Legal Protection prohibited the use of influencers and role models to promote wagering products as of June 30, 2022. In order to increase the level of safeguarding for marginalized segments of the population, on July 1, 2023, the government implemented a more comprehensive prohibition on untargeted advertisements for online wagering. Additionally, sponsorship agreements were prohibited, similar to untargeted advertising, although previously finalized agreements were granted a transitional period.
In addition, the Dutch government plans to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Remote Betting and Gaming Act in 2024 in order to determine whether the regulatory objectives for online wagering products are being fulfilled. The Minister for Legal Protection stated that until the scheduled review, he would not hasten to conclusions.
Additional initiatives are included in the proactive strategy adopted by the Dutch government to protect young people from the potential dangers of wagering. One of these is the Trimbos Institute-developed “Bright at School” program. Its purpose is to raise awareness and educate schoolchildren about the dangers associated with problem wagering.