RGA criticizes Dutch online gambling plan

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Dutch Ministry of Justice has released the report of the Commission Jansen, an advisory group assembled on 11 September 2009, to reflect on and investigate the scope for reforming gambling laws in the Netherlands, with a view to considering the regulation of online gambling. The final report, published on 23rd August by the Ministry of Justice, calls for a licensing system for poker operators, but excludes sports betting, bingo and casino style games.

The Remote Gambling Association ("the RGA"), representing the world's largest remote gambling operators, considers the proposal from the Commission Jansen as an inadequate first step in light of changes occurring throughout the rest of Europe.

"This is clearly a missed opportunity to follow the same path as other jurisdictions, such as Denmark, which do not seek to discriminate against different forms of gambling and recognise that all are capable of being properly regulated. Given that de Lotto offers sport betting, this appears to appease the lottery operator by limiting the opening to poker only, " said Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive of the RGA.

The RGA believes that there is only one logical and realistic way to address the burgeoning remote gambling market and that is through proper regulation for poker, sports betting and casino games.

Clive Hawkswood added that "it would be churlish of us not to welcome the poker opening, if it is granted in a viable way, but it appears as an opportunity missed for other segments. If consumer protection rather than market protectionism is the real policy objective then this recommendation should embrace other areas."