Thread by @GamingInHolland

And we're off - 15 minutes earlier than expected!

#DutchGamblingReform

Check out this thread for the current state of play:

https://twitter.com/GamingInHolland/status/1095297769718382593

Dercksen (PVV) generally positive about Friday's replies from Minister Dekker.

PVV not positive about Casino Reform Bill.

#DutchGamblingReform

Next up: Andriessen (D66). Andriessen wants to give Holland Casino a head start on the licensed online market.

That's it.

#DutchGamblingReform

Bikker (CU) was opposed, is opposed, and will be opposed.

But we knew that.

#DutchGamblingReform

Postema (PvdA) defended Remote Gaming Bill against criticism by CU.

Good news, it seems.

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Bikker (CU) submits motion to improve protection of young adults against gambling-related harm.

Motion only makes sense if Bikker expects Remote Gaming Bill to pass.

#DutchGamblingReform

Now: Postema (PvdA). This could be important.

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Postema (PvdA) submits motion.

Asks government to ensure that remote licenses will only be granted to operators who have not offered unlicensed online gambling services in the Dutch market for a period of at least two years.

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In other words, PvdA supports cooling down/blackout period as proposed by Minister Dekker.

#DutchGamblingReform

Unless really, really weird stuff is still going to happen, PvdA will vote in favor of Remote Gaming Bill - which means that the bill will pass.

#DutchGamblingReform

By the way, a live stream of the proceedings is available here: eerstekamer.nl/live_plenaire_…

Postema (PvdA) proposes a second motion: wants the govt to reconsider the necessity of blocking gambling websites, but only after a three-year evaluation period.

In the mean time, he intends the Remote Gaming Bill to be in force.

#DutchGamblingReform

Again: PvdA will support Remote Gaming Bill; and thus, Senate majority is there.

#DutchGamblingReform

Now: Van Dijk (SGP).

He's against it. But offers a motion: wants govt to compose a proposal on a complete online gambling ad ban.

#DutchGamblingReform

Gerkens (SP) also opposes Remote Gaming Bill. No surprises there.

Gerkens proposes motion for 5-year blackout period for illegal operators.

In other words, Gerkens (much to her regret) also expects Remote Gaming Bill to pass.

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Gerkens (SP): "I don't see a majority for the Casino Reform Bill (i.e. privatization of Holland Casino). What will Minister Dekker now do?"

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Ten Hoeve (OSF).

Doesn't like gambling reform. A repeat performance.

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Now: Van Bijsterveld (CDA).

"Not impressed by Minister Dekker's letter."

#DutchGamblingReform

This might get weird: CDA asks for and gets concessions in coalition agreement in order to support Remote Gaming Bill in Senate, but now sounds like they are going to vote against it.

Months wasted by pointless psychodrama.

#DutchGamblingReform

But, as said before, CDA votes aren't necessary for Remote Gaming Bill to pass if PvdA supports bill.

#DutchGamblingReform

CDA has "many objections" against legalization of online gambling.

Minister "didn't answer" our earlier questions.\

#DutchGamblingReform

Knip (VVD): "We are going to support both bills."

#DutchGamblingReform

Next: Strik (GroenLinks).

Likes regulation of online gambling market, but regulation "needs to be effective."

#DutchGamblingReform

GroenLinks' votes are certainly gettable, but a majority for the Remote Gaming Bill is there regardless.

Strik (GroenLinks): Remote Gaming Bill is exercise in "damage control."

Why not public education instead of commercial advertising?

#DutchGamblingReform

GroenLinks submits motion: GL wants complete ban on online gambling advertising.

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GroenLinks only wants to consider Casino Reform Bill after Remote Gaming Bill has been in force for some time.

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Last speaker in this series Koffeman (PvdD).

PvdD will oppose Casino Reform Bill.

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PvdD supports blackout period of 5 years + complete online gambling ad ban.

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PvdD *might* vote for Remote Gaming Bill (But don't count on it).

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Proceedings adjourned until 15:40 CET.

Reply of Minister Dekker to follow.

#DutchGamblingReform

And here we go again!

#DutchGamblingReform

Dekker: How to exclude illegal operators from the future market?

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Dekker: "Blackout period of 2 years is reasonable."

#DutchGamblingReform

Legal basis of blackout period is included in bill + accompanying secondary legislation: licensed operators must be "reliable."

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Dekker: Netherlands Gambling Authority has the ability (and authority) to find operators "unreliable" if they are targeting the Dutch market - based on domain name, payment methods, etc.

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Dekker: Exclusion criteria have been made public by Netherlands Gambling Authority in the past. Illegal operators had sufficent warning.

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Dekker OK with Motion Postema (2 year blackout period).

Dekker: 5-year blackout period might be disproportionate and thus legally vulnerable.

#DutchGamblingReform

Now debating the necessity of advertising to lead players to licensed offering.

We've been over this many times before.

#DutchGamblingReform

Dekker on enforcement of gambling advertising restrictions: Netherlands Gambling Authority can review ad buys of licensed operators.

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Dekker: Remote Gaming Bill contains provisions to facilitate enforcement against advertising by unlicensed operators.

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Dekker recommends that the Senate does not adopt motions on complete online ad bans.

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Bijsterveld (CDA) criticizes the lack of results achieved by the Netherlands Gambling Authority wrt enforcement in the past.

Pretty sad, considering the current lack of powers of the regulator.

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Dekker admits that the current legal instrument (grounded in criminal law) for shutting down gambling websites is unlikely to be practical.

#DutchGamblingReform

Dekker: Shutting down gambling payment services likely to be more effective than shutting down gambling websites.

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https://twitter.com/GamingKKF/status/1095346269801857024

Debate on Remote Gaming Bill now concluded, Dekker says. Moves on to Casino Reform Bill.

#DutchGamblingReform

Dekker requests that Casino Reform Bill not be voted on.

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Dekker promises to review proposal and to send a letter to the Lower House before the summer.

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Dekker: despite remaining state-owned (for now), Holland Casino will be able to apply for remote license.

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Dekker says he will send letter in May/June on Casino Reform Bill to Senate (instead of Lower House as mentioned above).

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But current Senate will vote on the current bill regardless (because it already has been adopted by Lower House), i.e. in May/very early June at the latest.

#DutchGamblingReform

Vote on Remote Gaming Bill will take place next week.

That's it for today.

#DutchGamblingReform