Netherlands Online Gambling Association Warns of Negative Impacts

Survey Reveals Alarming Results

The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) has raised concerns about potential negative effects related to changes in gambling regulations in the country. According to a survey, proposed law adjustments could strengthen the black market.

Findings Highlighted:

• About 16% of Dutch citizens engaged in online gambling in the past year.
• The percentage of problem gamblers decreased from 42% to 39% compared to the previous year.
• Approximately 37% of players would switch to illegal providers if online slots were banned in the Netherlands.
• Nearly two-thirds of Dutch individuals cannot differentiate between legal and illegal providers.
• Despite confusion, 95% of players claimed to only play on legal platforms.

Complete study in Dutch

Doubts Arise over High Channelization Rate in the Netherlands

Concerns Raised:

The Netherlands aims for at least 80% of players to use legal online gambling services, surpassing it at 95%. However, a study from the University of Leipzig suggests equal shares of legal and illegal online gambling markets in Norway, raising doubts about the reliability of the 95% channelization rate in the Netherlands.

Political Decisions Affecting the Industry

Recent political decisions in the Netherlands have caused uproar in the gambling sector, jeopardizing the legal market. Proposals including an increase in gambling tax and debates on banning online slots could lead players to seek unregulated black-market options.

The study’s results indicate that despite a potential ban on online slots, players may still pursue online gambling avenues, even if it means turning to the illicit market.