Dutch Trade Groups Agree On Responsible Slogan

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Gambling associations in the Netherlands have jointly backed the introduction of a new responsible gambling slogan, saying they could quickly implement it as a temporary measure.

The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), land-based group VAN Kansspelen and the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK) all want “Avoid regrets, Stop on time 18+” as the new slogan.

The groups called on Sander Dekker, the minister for legal protection, to “make a quick decision” and replace the current slogan “Play Conscious, 18+” in a joint statement last week.

Currently, the government is looking to introduce an unambiguous and clear slogan that warns against gambling addiction risks and which would be clearly visible in every gambling advertisement.

The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos) developed five possible replacement slogans as part of its work alongside the Ministry of Justice and Security, independent from the input of the gambling industry.

A representative from Trimbos told VIXIO GamblingCompliance that its report is not yet public, but is expected to be made available over the coming week.

Of the five possible slogans, independent research undertaken by the gambling trade groups found “Avoid Regret, Stop on Time, 18+” to be the most effective of Trimbos' options.

“Both consumers and providers benefit from short-term clarity. The sector is able to fully implement this slogan in the short term. The Trimbos Institute will shortly present the report with its findings. NOGA, VAN Kansspelen, and VNLOK look forward to the conclusions and considerations with confidence,” the group statement said.

The requirement in ads for a responsible gambling tagline is laid out in an amendment from 2016 to the Gambling Act, the Gambling Tax Act and some other laws related to the organisation of remote games of chance crafted by senator Mei Li Vos.

However, the recent launch of the Netherlands’ online gambling market on October 1, 2021 has made improving the slogan more politically pressing in recent weeks.