Dutch Mental Health Service Wants Ban on Online Gambling Ads
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While a ban on general gambling ads and using role models in these ads has been active since 2023, recent findings by KRO-NCRV’s Pointer found that some illegal gambling companies and sports tipster platforms are continuing to reach young audiences through social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat.
Use of Influencers to Target Young Audience
By using influencers and phrases such as “free money,” these companies aim to attract a younger demographic and introduce the next generation to gambling. This strategy is used by both legal and unlicensed online casinos in the Netherlands. Following the publication of the research, the Dutch Gaming Authority has launched an investigation into these practices.
Pointer’s research found that some segments of the gambling industry specifically target younger people, who are frequently swayed by promises of “quick money” and the influence of online role models. Ruth Peetoom, chair of the Dutch mental health service, drew a comparison between these tactics and those historically used by the tobacco industry to encourage youth smoking.
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Peetoom said that despite current advertising restrictions, gambling companies are continuing to find legal loopholes to reach potential young users. Therefore, Dutch mental health and addiction care organizations are calling for a complete ban on online gambling ads and stricter regulations governing the duty of care of gambling operators.
This way, the Dutch mental health sector hopes to counter the growing normalization of gambling behaviors among youth and shield them from the risks associated with online gambling.
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