The Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Sander Dekker, is against prohibiting online games, expressing worry about the possibility of young people becoming hooked. He believes that Dutch officials should concentrate on prevention and therapy.
In response to a query from Socialist Party representative Michael van Nispen regarding the implementation of gambling laws related to video games, Dekker highlighted the difference between video games and games of chance.
He explained that gaming is a widely accepted form of entertainment for young people, pointing out that gamers use games to connect online and can even assist minors in developing skills. However, Dekker recognized that these games, particularly free online games, can be designed to encourage continuous gameplay.
Moreover, he indicated that the changing revenue structure implies online games are no longer bought outright, but provided free of charge, with gamers improving their gameplay by acquiring in-game items. Tiny transactions can add up, meaning users spend considerably more than they expect, and some elements that include mystery boxes (such as loot boxes) that demand cash purchases, can be categorized as gambling, and are indeed categorized as gambling.
He recognized that some youngsters have developed issues, which can even be categorized as dependency.
Decker stated this is insufficient to warrant a complete prohibition on these games, highlighting that there is no universal solution to curb gaming dependency.
He went on to say that prohibiting minors from accessing a variety of online games is unsuitable. Instead, the administration is dedicated to prevention and education, as well as offering effective treatment and enforcing existing rules.
“In terms of (online) gaming, prevention and education are a shared responsibility of the national administration and the gaming industry itself,” he clarified.
The Dutch administration currently provides information to players and their parents through the Gamen Infolijn portal, as well as the Helder op School program, which provides schools with education and awareness training on dependency.
Dekker declared that he has directed the Research Center for Justice and Security (WODC) to examine the connection between gaming and gambling dependency and to pinpoint flaws in current and upcoming rules.
The Minister further elucidated the legality of loot boxes, elaborating on his response to a parliamentary inquiry posed by Van Nispen in June. He articulated that loot boxes that can be traded for money or other items possess value and are deemed gambling if players pay for them.
Dekker asserted that this type of loot box is entirely forbidden and will remain so after the Remote Gambling Act takes effect. The Minister observed that the nation’s gambling regulator, the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA), has not encountered any obstacles in implementing this regulation, as they have already mandated the removal of four aspects from console games because they do not adhere to the regulations.
For loot boxes that fall outside the KSA’s purview, the consumer watchdog, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), is accountable for ensuring that they do not treat players in a deceptive or unjust manner. Regulations specify that loot boxes must be offered in local currency and players must not be compelled to purchase them to operate within the game.
Dekker concluded by vowing to monitor the sector. He stated that the findings of the research on risk factors and addictive characteristics, conducted by the WODC, would be disseminated to parliament upon completion.
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