New Dutch government appoints Teun Struycken as head of gambling department

There are fears that a New Social Contract MP may propose a ban on online slots.

The Netherlands.- The new coalition government of the Netherlands has been appointed The Struycken as Minister of Legal Protection. This position puts the New Social Contract (NSC) MP at the forefront of gambling policy as the new government takes over review of gambling legislation started by the previous administration.

The nomination may apply to gambling operators as the NSC is known for anti-gambling standproposing a ban on online gambling in his election manifesto. At the time, he said that “generous government policies” had caused an “explosion” of online gambling, leading to problems with debt, crime and gambling addiction.

Struycken takes over from Franc Weerwind, who has held the position since 2022. Once the current round of gambling reforms is completed, the position will be downgraded from ministerial to state secretary.

The new Dutch government is a coalition formed by four conservative parties: the Freedom Party, the People’s Party, the New Social Contract and the Farmers’ Movement. Dick Schoof is the new prime minister.

The next round of Dutch gambling reforms will come into effect on October 1, introducing mandatory checks on players who exceed monthly deposit limits. However, the Dutch parliament has voted to ban online slots and all gambling advertising. While Weerwind is unlikely to heed that call, Struycken’s political support makes him more likely to do so. Meanwhile, the coalition government’s proposed budget plan includes a gambling tax hike.