According to Dutch law, online gambling providers cannot use role models for advertisements. Ads also must not appeal to vulnerable groups, including minors. Additionally, Yamal is under 18, the legal age to gamble in the Netherlands.

A KSA statement indicates that the advertising campaign was online for a short period. An affiliated media outlet noticed the violation and reported it to BetMGM, which promptly removed it shortly after.

However, the regulator emphasizes that BetMGM did not report the violation in accordance with Dutch law. Despite that, the KSA only issued a warning to the operator because it “quickly ended the violation and took adequate measures to prevent recurrence.”

Tighter Gambling Sponsorship Rules Take Effect July 1

The BetMGM incident comes less than a month before the Dutch government implements strict sports sponsorship restrictions. Starting July 1, the following gambling advertisements are no longer legal:

• Sponsorship of teams and individual athletes
• Gambling companies’ logo placements on jerseys and equipment
• Stadium naming rights
• Club partnerships and event/competition sponsorships
• Promotional materials and prize giveaways related to sports entities

The new rules are an extension to an existing ban on untargeted gambling ads in mass media, which has been in effect since 2023. At the time, the Dutch government granted a two-year extension for sports sponsorships, given they’re often tied to multi-year contracts.

Recently, the KSA warned that it will tighten supervision of implementation, and the BetMGM warning aligns with that.

BetMGM Rethinks Brand Ambassador Strategy for the Dutch Market

BetMGM’s expansion into the Netherlands last year has prompted the operator to reassess its traditional model, which relies on high-profile celebrity endorsements and sports sponsorships.

These partnerships have been crucial for BetMGM in other markets, such as the US and the UK. 

In 2024, the company reportedly spent $50 million on its Super Bowl ad campaign, which featured NFL and NHL legends Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky, as well as actor Vince Vaughn.

Meanwhile, another actor, Jamie Foxx, features prominently on the operator’s website and in numerous advertising campaigns.

In the UK, BetMGM has gained traction through sports sponsorships, including partnerships with Premier League teams Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as advertising blitzes.

The company also uses brand ambassadors in multiple markets, including the UK and the US, where actor and comedian Chris Rock represents the brand. 

It is worth noting that US operations are through a joint venture with Entain, whereas LeoVegas operates the brand in Europe. 

The post BetMGM Receives a Warning From Dutch Regulator Over Ad Featuring Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal appeared first on CasinoBeats.

37.8%

Dutch gambling taxes are set to reach 37.8% in 2026 after the Netherlands government revealed its budget for 2025. 

Within its tax plan, the government’s Ministry of Finance stated that it will initially increase gambling tax from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025, before increasing again to 37.8% in 2026.

The government added that this tax will be paid on winnings of more than €449 from a lottery or casino in the Dutch market.

Operators and associations alike from across the Dutch gambling industry have reacted to this tax increase, with the Nederlandse Online Gambling Association, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK releasing a joint statement.

The statement reads: “The regulated gaming sector (represented by trade associations NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK) reacts with great concern to the government’s intention to increase the gambling tax from 30.5%, 34.2% in 2025, to ultimately 37.8% in 2026. 

“In view of the phased introduction, the government shows some recognition of the risks of counterproductive effects on gambling policy objectives and the public purse, but does not allay concerns about the continued existence of regulated gambling offerings. 

“This underlines the need to map the effects of the gambling tax, in conjunction with other announced policy changes, ongoing evaluations and previous parliamentary decisions, more fundamentally and carefully.”

$32bn

Alliance for Gambling Reform is pushing for a total ban on gambling advertisements after pointing out that player losses increased to A$32bn across 2022/23.  

The Australian gambling trade body has called on policymakers once again to push for a phase-out of gambling advertisements, pointing to 2022/23 national gambling losses of $32bn. 

Provided in a recent report from the Queensland Government, these figures show a significant increase on the only available previous loss figures of $25bn from 2018/19.

Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, commented: “Australians lose more to gambling than any other nation in the world because we have a grossly inadequate regulatory regime in which the gambling industry has been allowed to operate virtually unchecked causing devastation to individuals, families and communities.

“These latest horrifying loss figures underscore the importance of the Federal Government adopting all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report including a full ban on gambling advertising on broadcast media and online. It also proves the need for a national strategy on gambling and the formation of a national regulator.”

3

Bally’s has cancelled plans to build a casino in Pennsylvania after ending a three-year-old contractual agreement with SC Gaming. 

The casino operator revealed that “corporate strategic priorities have shifted elsewhere”, meaning it will no longer participate in developing the establishment in College Township, Pennsylvania. 

“We are grateful for the collaboration and achievements we have accomplished with SC Gaming over the past three years,” said George Papanier, President of Bally’s Corporation.

“However, as our strategic focus evolves, we have made the difficult decision to conclude our relationship.”

Despite Bally’s backing out of the deal formed in 2021, SC Gaming is planning to continue the project alone with its expected H1 2026 projected completion remaining the same. 

€2.6m

Groupe Française des Jeux has received another approval for its planned €2.6m acquisition of Kindred Group, this time by France’s national competition regulator, the Autorité de la concurrence.

FDJ was given the go-ahead by the Autorité after agreeing to a brand separation commitment to market its offerings under different brands. 

Back in May, the ADLC was notified by FDJ of its plans to acquire sole control of Kindred, four months after the French gambling group submitted an offer of around €2.6m for the Unibet operator in January, which was unanimously recommended by Kindred’s board of directors.

FDJ has been edging closer towards the acquisition’s completion ever since the beginning of the year, receiving approval for the deal from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority in February and purchasing shares in Kindred along the way.

As a result of said approvals, FDJ brought forward the expiry date for the offer’s acceptance period. Previously, the acceptance period’s expiry was scheduled for 19 November 2024, but this has now been moved to 2 October.

€975,000

The KSA has reduced a sanction given to Videoslots from €9.9m to €975,000 following an appeal from the online casino operator. 

Off the back of the sanction initially being announced in 2023, Videoslots took aim at the KSA, accusing the regulator of “abusing the mystery shopping regime”.

In offering detail on what led to this point, the operator noted that in preparation for a KSA application in April 2022, the regulator’s logo was “mistakenly visible for a short period of time”. It is noted that it was “quickly removed”.

However, Videoslots added that the KSA tried to sign-up as a Dutch customer after becoming aware of this, but failed due to the systems put in place. It is also suggested that the regulator accessed the site as a German customer, before making a deposit and sole wager of 20 cents.

Ulle Skottling, Deputy CEO at Videoslots, stated at the time: “Videoslots does not target but restrict the Netherlands, so the Dutch Gaming Act does not apply to its services. No Dutch players were able to access our site during the disputed period and there was no violation as a result.

“It is absurd that the KSA should fine us after gaining unauthorised access. It is simply not possible to protect fully against unauthorised access, and the KSA has no guidelines on what measures are sufficient.”

The post Dutch taxes, FDJ and Australian advertsing: the week in numbers appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Following the receival of an operator licence from Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit in May, Hard Rock Casino launched an online casino platform to reach players in the nation after working closely with BetComply to ensure its compliance with KSA regulations. 

Paul Strikers, iCasino CEO, commented: “It’s hugely exciting to bring such a globally renowned brand to the Dutch market for the first time. We understood early on in the process that operator compliance needed to be one of our highest priorities, and that’s why we enlisted the help of BetComply and its unparalleled expertise in the Netherlands. 

“We thank Mike and the team for their tireless and rigorous support on our successful licence application, and look forward to building upon this partnership in the future; the first step being the application for a sports betting licence.”

BetComply has worked with several brands towards gaining a Dutch market licence, claiming to have supported “more than a third of all licence holders in the country”. 

Hard Rock Casino and BetComply outlined that they will continue to work together to ensure compliance with the Netherlands’ gambling regulations. 

Mike de Graaff, BetComply Chief Compliance Officer, added: “The Netherlands market has attracted some huge international brands over recent months, underlining the opportunities on offer for those who build a deep understanding of their regulatory obligations. 

“We’ve already helped more than a third of all licence holders in the country, and with the KSA taking a proactive approach across all elements of regulation, we’ll continue to support our partners, including iCasino, as market conditions evolve.”

The post BetComply supports Hard Rock Casino’s Dutch launch appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This timeframe was during his tenure with the Ministry of Justice, which led to KSA being established as the gambling authority in the region. 

Groothuizen stated: “A lot has happened since I worked on the file and so there is still a lot for me to learn. I look forward to the conversations I will have today and in the future with gambling operators, international regulatory colleagues, legislators, and regulators, among others, many of whom I am sure are already here.”

Central to Groothuizen’s focus is supporting the implementation of the new government and its proposals to amend the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), as the Dutch framework looks to continue to evolve into the modern era. 

He also confirmed that he would continue the mandate of predecessor Rene Jansen to utilise stringent regulations in order to ensure Dutch gambling consumers are protected by higher duty of care standards, as well as tougher enforcement against unlicensed operators.

He told delegates at IGB Live: “Today, as befits a good regulator, I will do no differently. I would be happy to discuss with you how the Authority (KSA) will further scale up its supervision of the online duty of care in the coming year, and how we have already made an initial foray into this with the new policy rule.

“Of course, I also see the threat of the increasing number of laws and regulations and the impact on channelisation, so the market for illegal gambling will also be considered.”

Furthermore, the new KSA President was unwavering in his determination to tackle unlicensed operators as he cited them as being the “pirates of the industry, who moreover, don’t seem to shy away from anything”. 

The damning view is formed by Groothuizen detailed cases of unlicensed operators targeting Dutch underage audiences, falsifying the KSA logo on campaigns, and “surreptitiously advertising via Google Maps and ads targeting the very vulnerable group of players registered in the national exclusion register (CRUKS). That simply beggars belief”. 

He continued: “Tackling illegal gambling does not stop at the border. That is why it is important not to let our supervision stop at the border either.

“Through international cooperation and knowledge-sharing, we can better tighten the net around illegal gambling. We do this, for example, through our participation in the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) and the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). My predecessor played an active role there, and I definitely intend to do the same.”

Progress has seen KSA sign MOUs with regulators from Belgium, France, Malta, Sweden, and the UK to enhance cooperation by enabling data and information sharing.  Joint enforcement actions, and the adoption of best practices in tackling illegal gambling and ensuring responsible gambling practices are also a part of Groothuizen’s plans. 

MOUs provide a platform for European regulators to improve operational collaboration, policy development, and enforcement efficiency against black market threats. 

Nonetheless, elevated monitoring and strategy of unlicensed activities should not hinder a tougher regulatory approach and standards for regulated markets. As such, Groothuizen backs new KOA measures from 1 October that will impose mandatory monthly deposit limits of €350 and €150 (under-25 account) as means to “end gambling excesses as soon as possible.”

The Authority is taking another important step by being stricter on ‘real-time’ monitoring of gambling behaviours. Groothuizen concluded: “We will keep pushing this in our discussions with the secretary of state. We are keen on the regulations around advertising that have already been introduced and their effectiveness.

“In our latest survey on the state of the online market, I saw that the ban on non targeted advertising has resulted in non-gamblers being less likely to visit a gambling website. I look forward to seeing if we can draw the same conclusion again in our next report in the autumn, because that says something about the effectiveness of the legislation.”

The post KSA’s Michel Groothuizen takes aim ‘gambling industry’s pirates’  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

According to casinonieuws.nl, the decision means that the group has concluded its collaboration with Dutch marketing company Well Played Marketing.

Well Played Marketing took to Linkedin to confirm the announcement, citing a changing Dutch climate and challenges around tax increases as the reason for the split as GG takes a centralised approach. 

The group stated: “After three years and one month, the partnership between GGPoker and Well Played Marketing will come to an end on July 1. Prompted by, among other things, changing laws and regulations, including the upcoming increase in the gaming tax, GG has decided to go for a central approach. This means that Well Played Marketing and GGPoker are going to part ways.

The firm also praised GG for ‘three great years of cooperation’, describing GG as a firm that has ‘quickly become the market leader in online poker’.

Reflecting on the collaboration, the group stated: “We jointly set up campaigns to introduce the brand in the Netherlands and sponsored eight BVOs. We got local ambassadors, who unfortunately we soon had to say goodbye to. 

“A collaboration with the WSOP Venlo and Rotterdam ensured that live poker in the Netherlands finally became a bit more accessible. GGPoker supported Amateur Poker in the Netherlands with the sponsorship of O.N.K. Poker.

“We brought poker back to TV by sponsoring the broadcasts of the WSOP and Poker After Dark and we were part of new world records in terms of fields and prize pools in online poker with the GGMasters Overlay edition and the World Series of Poker Online.

“The above would not have been possible without the help of a tremendously strong and dedicated team. That is why I would like to thank these champions in particular. Each and every one of them are great poker enthusiasts with the necessary technical knowledge, a unique combination that few people have. The office of Well Played Marketing breathed poker. I’m proud to have been able to work with such a great team to make GGPoker big in the Netherlands.”

Dutch authorities also recently took steps to ensure that operators reimbursed players that had played when the market was a grey one, prior to its full legalisation in 2021. 

These steps were mainly aimed at bwin and Pokerstars, whose agreements with players were deemed null and void.

The post GGPoker ends relationship with Well Played as Dutch restrictions tighten  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Concluding a period of political uncertainty in the region, The Party for Freedom (PVV) announced that it had agreed on a ‘basis of terms’ to form a coalition government with conservative counterparts of the Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the New Social Contract party (NSC) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).

As a result of this, the budget was formalised carrying the title of “Hope, Courage and Pride”, the budget laid-out the quartet government’s fiscal plans related to taxation, expenditures, public investment and subsidies.

This included a ‘structural taxation increase’ seeing gambling tax grow from 30.5 per cent to 37.8 per cent​​”. As noted in the appendix: “The gambling tax will be increased by €202m on a structural basis. This means a rate increase from 30.5 per cent to 37.8 per cent”

According to Dutch gambling news source, Casinonieuws.nl, a tax increase was on the “wishlist of parties”. In October prior to the General Election, VVD ministers submitted motions to increase Dutch gambling taxes by 1 per cent from from 29.5 per cent to 30.5 per cent, corresponding to total rise of circa €26m.

“The good news is that we have a negotiators’ agreement, but of course, this is only definitive when the parliamentary parties have also agreed,” stated Wilders, who it was revealed will not serve as the country’s leader.

The post Geert Wilders spearheads increase in Dutch gambling tax  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The studio’s latest content partnership will see Casino 777 players gain access to both the supplier’s collection of classically-themed SwinttPremium games as well as its more modern SwinttSelect titles. 

Slot releases from the provider’s studio subsidiary, Elysium Studios, will also be made available to Casino 777 later in the year as the partnership develops. 

Lars Kollind, Head of Business Development at Swintt, commented: “The goal at Swintt has always been to have a strong presence in regulated markets – and partnering with an operator of the size of Casino 777 will enable us to raise our profile in both the Netherlands and Belgium.

“We’re really looking forward to working with them and can’t wait to hear what their players make of our slots.”

Within Swintt’s classic offering, Casino 777 players will be able to spin the reels on traditionally-designed slots such as Seven Seven Pots and Pearls, said to be a “fitting homage to traditional land-based machines”. 

Meanwhile, the operator’s Dutch and Belgian player bases will soon have access to the studio’s collection of modern and more complex slots, including Aloha Spirit XtraLockTM which offers a maximum win of x200,500 the player’s wager. 

Jennifer Dettori, General Manager at Casino 777, added: “At Casino 777, we’re always in pursuit of the next level of entertainment, curating top-tier titles from industry-leading suppliers. Welcoming Swintt to our ever-growing portfolio is a testament to our commitment to offering unparalleled gaming experiences.

“With their diverse range of Premium and Select slots, we’re confident that Swintt’s innovative games will captivate and thrill our customers, taking our entertainment offerings to the next level.”

The post Swintt secures growth in Belgium and the Netherlands with Casino 777 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

114

In a major setback to operators in the Netherlands, Dutch MPs have received numerous motions to outlaw ‘high risk’ online casino games.

Further intensifying the framework around gambling in the Netherlands, there was also a vote to stop the marketing of online gambling. 

The pair of motions were pushed by Socialist Party MP Michiel van Nispen, as part of the Kamer’s ongoing revision of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act), the legislative framework adopted in October 2021 to regulate the Netherlands’ online gambling marketplace.

As a result, 114 motions were proposed by MPs to amend KOA market laws, standards and protections of which 14 were voted on this afternoon.

Van Nispen’s first motion to impose a ‘total ban on online gambling advertising’ secured 70 out of 150 MP votes, failing to gain an outright majority but approved due to ministerial absences.

The vote reverses previous stances on the matter having rejected in February a motion by CDA MP Derk Boswijk “to investigate a total ban on gambling advertisements”.

As such, the vote sees the Kamer favour imposing a blanket ban on all gambling advertisements as KOA amendments applied in July 2023 enforced a ban on gambling advertising on the ‘public platforms’ of TV, radio, print and outdoor media.

Addressing MPs, Van Nispen stated: “The KOA market is sick through and through. Every day that these companies continue their bad practices, more people become addicted to gambling.

“As far as we are concerned, it is the end of the story for gambling companies without morals. A ban on online gambling advertisements is another step forward towards a country without bad gambling companies.”

£431.2m

888 declared a group revenue for Q1 of £431.2m in its latest trading update, which is slightly higher than the £420m to £430m guidance range set out in the operator’s FY23 results last month.

However, in comparison to the same period last year, group revenue is down three per cent (Q1 2023: £445.5m).

Revenue was up two per cent in comparison to Q4 2023, but the group expects “revenues to return to year-on-year growth from Q2 2024 onwards”, with FY2024 revenue growth expected to be “consistent with the mid-term target of five to nine per cent annual growth”.

Per vertical, gaming revenue improved slightly by one per cent to £272.2m (2023: £269.8m), while betting revenue dropped by 10 per cent year-over-year to £159m (2023: £175.7m). Average monthly player actives rose by six per cent YoY to 1.8 million (2023: 1.7 million).

Sportsbook stakes fell by five per cent YoY to £1.35bn (2023: £1.43bn) with a net revenue margin of 11.8 per cent (2023: 12.3 per cent).

CEO Per Widerström commented: “I am pleased to report that Q1 2024 revenue was slightly ahead of our guidance, with strong player volumes converting into improved revenue run rates. 

“Having lapped various regulatory and compliance changes during the quarter, and with increased marketing investment supported by an exciting product pipeline, we remain confident in a return to growth from Q2 2024.”

70%

iGaming Ontario has stated that FY2023-24 gaming revenue and wagers figures have both improved by over 70 per cent in comparison to the previous year.

Casino operations across the Canadian province have contributed heavily to the improvements, as wagers and revenue in this segment have grown by almost 90 per cent year-over-year.

For the period ending March 31, 2024, iGO declared that 47 operators and 77 websites collected total wagers (excluding promotional) of CAD$17.8bn in Q4, with FY2023-24 wagers at $63bn, a 78 per cent YoY increase over 2022-23 operations.

Q4 total gaming revenue was $690m, ending at $2.4bn for the full fiscal year, a 72 per cent uptick YoY. This figure includes rake fees, tournament fees, and other fees across all operators, minus player winnings derived from cash wagers and does not take into account operating costs or other liabilities.

The quarter’s wagers and revenue figures are also an improvement on the $17.2bn and $658m figures reported earlier this year for Q3.

“With $63bn in wagering and $2.4bn in gaming revenue, the second year of Ontario’s igaming market is more than 70 per cent bigger than the first,” commented Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario.

“As the market matures into its third year, I look forward to building on this foundation of success with operators and other partners as they invest in Ontario so that Ontarians can continue to play with confidence.”

6%

Entain has stated that it is making “good progress” in improving operational performance despite declines in the UK & Ireland.

Within its first quarter trading update, the FTSE 100 company noted that its performance was in line with expectations with “organic revenue growth”. 

Total group bet gaming revenue, which includes its 50 per cent share of BetMGM, improved by six per cent year-over-year, but down three per cent on a proforma basis.

Excluding US operations, group NGR rose by four per cent YoY, but declined by three per cent on a proforma basis. Gaming NGR fell by two per cent, sports NGR dropped by five per cent, while sports wagers decreased by five per cent.

Online operations improved by six per cent following an 11 per cent uptick in active customers, but on a proforma basis, these figures dropped by two per cent. Retail operations decreased by one per cent and five per cent on a proforma basis respectively.

“Our Q1 performance was in line with our expectations, with growth reflecting both strong performances in many of our markets as well as known challenges in others,” stated Stella David, Interim CEO of Entain.

“We are particularly encouraged by the level of customer engagement in the US following a successful Super Bowl and March Madness, as well as our return to growth in Brazil following the changes we implemented.”

A$50,000

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission in Australia has issued a A$50,000 fine to BlueBet for gambling advertising breaches.

The VGCCC found BlueBet guilty of 43 charges of displaying gambling advertising on or above a public road, which is an offence under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.  

The commission conducted an investigation into the operator following a complaint from a member of the public. BlueBet was charged in August 2023.

During a two-week period in August and September 2022, BlueBet’s gambling advertising was present on digital billboards in five different locations.

The VGCCC stated that Magistrate Greg Thomas “found it difficult to accept BlueBet’s defence that they didn’t know they were breaching the law, given the prime position of the billboards to target males aged 15-54 years old”. 

The commission also said that Magistrate Thomas did not record a conviction, but claimed that if the breaches were accidental, it showed “a high degree of negligence” by BlueBet.   

In addition, Magistrate Thomas noted that he would have fined BlueBet $70,000 and recorded a conviction, but took into account the operator’s guilty plea, cooperation with the VGCCC and the changes implemented to prevent these breaches from being repeated. 

Commenting on the verdict, VGCCC CEO, Annette Kimmitt AM, said: “Gambling advertising has no place on public roads where it is readily visible to children and other vulnerable groups. These places are especially difficult to avoid as part of day-to-day activities.

“This decision sends a clear message to wagering providers that flout these protections for our community.” 

£182.3

Rank Group has reported an uptick in net gaming revenue for its third quarter, with venues and digital channels improving and trading in line with expectations.

For the period ending March 31, 2024, Rank noted that Q3 NGR rose by six per cent year-over-year to £182.3m. Year to date, NGR has improved by eight per cent YoY to £544.9m.

Mecca venues underwent the biggest NGR increase in Q3, rising by 12 per cent YoY to £37.3m. YTD, NGR for the segment stands at £104.5m, a 10 per cent improvement.

Rank credits the uptick during the quarter to a five per cent growth in customer visits and a seven per cent rise in spend per visit, “particularly benefiting from strong trading over the Mother’s Day and Easter weekends”.

Grosvenor venues generated the most NGR during the measuring period, rising by three per cent YoY to £80m. YTD, NGR has improved by eight per cent to £247.5m.

The operator noted that NGR for Grosvenor venues was driven by a five per cent increase in visitors, but since the quarter is a “seasonally quieter period”, average weekly NGR of £6.2m was up two per cent YoY but down two per cent in comparison to the previous quarter.

Enracha venues NGR improved by six per cent YoY to £10m. YTD, NGR rose by nine per cent to £163.4m.

Digital operations NGR grew by six per cent to £55m. YTD, NGR has increased by eight per cent to £544.9m. Rank noted that digital operations in the UK improved by four per cent, while Spanish operations grew by 20 per cent.

John O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Rank, commented: “We continue to make good progress across both our venues and online businesses, with Q3 trading very much in line with the Board’s expectations.

“Performance continues to improve, and we have the very important land-based reforms from the Government’s White Paper to look forward to, which we hope to start implementing in the coming months.”

The post Dutch regulation, Entain and Rank Group: the week in numbers appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Further intensifying the framework around gambling in the Netherlands, there was also a vote to stop the marketing of online gambling. 

The pair of motions were pushed by Socialist Party (SP) MP Michiel van Nispen, as part of the Kamer’s ongoing revision of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act), the legislative framework adopted in October 2021 to regulate the Netherlands’ online gambling marketplace.

As a result, 114 motions were proposed by MPs to amend KOA market laws, standards and protections of which 14 were voted on this afternoon.

Van Nispen’s first motion to impose a ‘total ban on online gambling advertising’ secured 70 out of 150 MP votes, failing to gain an outright majority but approved due to ministerial absences.

The vote reverses previous stances on the matter having rejected in February a motion by CDA MP Derk Boswijk “to investigate a total ban on gambling advertisements”.

As such, the vote sees the Kamer favour imposing a blanket ban on all gambling advertisements as KOA amendments applied in July 2023 enforced a ban on gambling advertising on the ‘public platforms’ of TV, radio, print and outdoor media.

Addressing MPs, Van Nispen stated: “The KOA market is sick through and through. Every day that these companies continue their bad practices, more people become addicted to gambling.

“As far as we are concerned, it is the end of the story for gambling companies without morals. A ban on online gambling advertisements is another step forward towards a country without bad gambling companies.”

The post The Netherlands set to ban ‘high risk’ online casino games appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Extending its reach across the European continent, players in the Netherlands will gain access to Realistic Games’ slot portfolio after 33 of its games received Dutch certification earlier this year. 

Jaana Repo, Senior Account Manager at Realistic Games, stated: Our launch into the Dutch market is the culmination of a lot of hard work and we’re thrilled at the prospect of the positive impact it brings. 

“The Netherlands is a key market for us and we’re confident our games will resonate well with players there. We’re looking forward to more regional developments throughout the year as we continue to grow the Realistic brand.”

Realistic Games’ initial offering consists of proprietary slot titles such as Book of Charms and fishing-themed title Catch 22, among an array of other titles certified for the studio’s latest market entry. 

Denis Wittebrood, Casino Operations Manager at Circus.nl Sport & Casino, added: “We look forward to seeing if our Dutch players love the Realistic Games as much as we do. We believe they will, and we can’t wait to bring more Realistic Games content to the market.”

The move comes shortly after Realistic Games secured its maiden voyage into Romania, with the studio also making moves on home turf by partnering with BetMGM to host slots on the latter’s UK platform. 

The post Realistic Games ‘thrilled’ with Dutch debut via Circus.nl appeared first on CasinoBeats.