Dutch politicians’ plans for extensive restrictions on betting and gaming advertising have faced criticism from Raad van State (the Council of State), the government’s lead advisory on national policy development.

According to Gaming in Holland – one of the Netherlands’ two gambling trade associations, alongside NOGA – the Council has not questioned the legal tenability of the proposed ban, but instead the reasoning behind it.

Under a roadmap developed by the Dutch Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, ‘untargeted advertising’ – meaning blanket advertising accessible to a range of consumer demographics – was due to be phased out this month.

Operators will be unable to advertise via television, radio or in public indoor or outdoor spaces, with enhanced requirements added for online marketing, whilst sports sponsorships are set to be banned by the end of 2025.