New Online Deposit Limits in the Netherlands Online Gambling Industry

Published: October 1, 2024 | Author: Ron Clarke

Starting today, new regulations aimed at protecting Dutch consumers gambling online have officially come into effect. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a €700 net deposit limit per calendar month for all players. Young adults, aged 18 to 25, face an even tighter restriction, with their limit set at €300. Once players hit these thresholds, any further deposits will be blocked until the start of the next month. These limits are automatically reset on the first day of each month.

Players who want to increase their deposit limits can do so by providing proof of income or assets. Operators will review these documents, and the limit may be adjusted based on a guideline that allows deposits up to 30% of a player’s net income. Additionally, operators are required to investigate any player whose deposits approach the monthly limits to ensure they have the financial means to continue.

As part of the new regulations, players are also required to set personal deposit limits when they first sign up with an online gambling operator. If a player sets a deposit limit of €350 or €150 for young adults, operators must proactively provide information about the risks of gambling and highlight resources for those seeking help, such as the national self-exclusion scheme, Crucks.

Moreover, during gameplay, pop-up messages will now appear every 30 minutes to remind players how long they’ve been gambling, helping to promote more mindful play. Players will also receive these messages halfway through their pre-set gaming session time.

The New Regulations & the Gambling Industry

The new measures have gained support from the industry’s trade association, VNLOK (Association of Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers). VNLOK Chair Helma Lodders expressed confidence that these changes would strengthen player protection in the Dutch market.

Despite supporting the new measures, VNLOK and others in the industry are expressing concern that increasing regulatory pressure could push players toward unregulated, illegal gambling platforms, as stricter limits might make the legal market less attractive.

The new regulations will increase the operational burden on online gambling operators in the Netherlands, potentially driving up costs. In addition to this, a planned increase in the gambling tax is set to take effect, with rates jumping from 30.5% to 34.2% on January 1, 2025, and further rising to 37.8% by January 2026. Some in the industry warn that these changes, while well-intentioned, could encourage players to turn to black-market gambling sites.

Stay tuned to Casin.com for updates on these developments and more industry news from both the global and Italian gambling markets.