Mental health service wants ban on advertising for online gambling

Mental health services are calling for a complete ban on the advertising of online gambling in the near future. “People, especially young people, are now too easily exposed to the risk of addiction,” says chairwoman Ruth Peetoom of the Dutch Mental Health Services Association. According to the association, previous governments have introduced rules, but gambling sites are trying to push the limits of the law.

The Dutch mental health service responds to an investigation by KRO-NCRV’s journalistic platform Pointer. It revealed that at least 55 Dutch channels are active on Telegram that share tips for sports betting and predictions. One of the largest betting tip platforms, Analyse Master, uses people such as former footballer Wesley Sneijder as well as Youtuber and rapper Défano Holwijn to promote the channels on Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

According to the Dutch mental health service, the platforms pose serious risks to young people. Gambling addiction is often accompanied by “money problems, sleep deprivation and mental vulnerability”, according to the organization.