Dutch minister clashes with peers over sports betting sponsorships

Dutch MP Mirijam Bikker has called on Minister Franc Weerwind to consider a ban on sports betting sponsorships in the country. This question came following reports that several Dutch Eredivisie football players were involved in the illegal betting website Edobet. The site ceased operations several years ago, and as reported by the Dutch newspaper NOS seemed to have significant links to organised crime. Major Dutch football players, including Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Sneijder, have been questioned by police on the matter and Bikker suggested the link between these sites and football players could prove harmful to children. Bikker said: “Soccer player is perhaps the most heard answer when you ask children what do you want to be when you grow up? The posters hang above their beds, and every child wants to be Bergwijn or Depay or Virgil van Dijk. “But unfortunately, gambling companies know that too. Last Saturday’s AD [a Dutch newspaper] made impressively clear what the harmful consequences are very bad for them, for their loved ones, but also for all those teenagers, for all those children for whom it seems as if their great example should also set an example in this.” Bikker added. Following this statement and the reports, the chair of the House of Representatives questioned Weerwind on whether he would try and sever the link between the world of sport and the world of gambling. Weerwind indicated to his peers that he would be open to such a ban and noted that MPs in the Lower House had expressed a mixed opinion on this issue. Weerwind commented: “In order to consider introducing a ban on betting sponsorships and related advertising, I would like the Lower House to clearly express such a wish. You may expect that I will propose additional restrictions in the bill that is currently being prepared. But I have also noticed that the Lower House is very divided on this issue.” MP Rudmer Heerema suggested to Weerwind that the Lower House also expressed that such a ban would be financially detrimental to Eredivisie clubs and sports associations. Weerwind retorted that public opinions and political discourse could have progressed in the meantime. Reports would suggest that Weerwind is seemingly content to let the Lower House set the pace on the change of gambling policy.