Get 125% / $2,500 on 1st deposit!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of up to $2,500
The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) expressed its disappointment at the country’s advertising code for gambling. The association with ten members that include bet365, Betsson, Betway, Entain, Flutter and Kindred, believes more is needed to “prevent a gambling advertising avalanche.”
Whereas in a statement on its website, NOGA welcomed the code, it says it “does not go far enough.” It highlights the fact that the new cap to allow a maximum of three gambling advertisements per commercial break only applies to the internet.
NOGA Director Peter-Paul de Goeij said that companies such as Holland Casino, Gaston and Koning TOTO can, therefore, advertise offline without any restrictions. He said:
“The viewer does not make the distinction between offline and online at all – the consumer just sees an irritating gambling ad.”
“In addition, gambling advertisements of today’s gambling providers are already ubiquitous; on television, radio, internet, bus shelters and in our letterboxes. Let’s face it, consumers find too many gambling adverts just irritating.”
NOGA, advocate of safe and responsible online gambling in the Netherlands representing large online gaming operators, says all gambling providers, media parties and broadcasters must find agreement on the total amount of gambling advertising in the country. Failure to do so will have customers flee to illegal sites:
“We need to do this to temper the growth that is coming, with the legalisation of the online market, and to prevent a gambling advertising avalanche.”
“If we do not prevent this from happening, there may be a ban on gambling advertising introduced soon and then we will not be able to persuade consumers to play at a legal gambling site. NOGA therefore advocates advertising volume control.”
NOGA was not pleased at being left out of the drafting process of the advertising code either. The association stated:
“With ten members, NOGA represents more than a large majority of the future licensed online gambling providers in the Netherlands.
“Unfortunately, despite repeated requests, NOGA was not involved from the outset by the land-based providers who wrote the code. This exclusion is very unwise. After all, self-regulation benefits from the broadest possible adoption.”
With the Dutch Remote Gambling Act enacted this October 1, the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) expects that 35 online gaming operators will have received a license to operate in the Netherlands.