State Secretary Fred Teeven, Driving Force Behind Modernization of Dutch Gaming Legislation, Resigns
Dutch Minister of Justice Ivo Opstelten and State Secretary Fred Teeven both resigned Monday night in an ongoing scandal over a deal struck by prosecutors with a famous drug trafficker 15 years ago.
Teeven was also the driving force behind the present changes in gaming legislation in the Netherlands.
Further delays to the remote gaming bill and modernization of lotteries and land-based gaming are likely, but the magnitude of the setback is currently unclear.
Reactions
The European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) released the following statement:
“We note with regret that Mr Teeven has resigned as Secretary of State, responsible for inter alia the modernization of the Dutch gambling policy. We look forward to working together with his successor and the Parliament on the Dutch government’s legislative proposal to regulate the online gambling market. The proposal will allow the Dutch gambling policy to adept to the realities of online consumer demand and ensure that the consumer will be channeled to a regulated and safe offer.”
Dr. Alan Littler, gaming lawyer on behalf of Kalff Katz & Franssen:
“Currently, it is unclear what the implications of the resignations of Mr Opstelten and Mr Teeven will be on the remote gaming bill, and indeed, the plans to reform the casino market and, separately, the allocation of the semi-permanent lottery licences.
That said, the Ministry’s written response to parliament’s 600 questions and points of critique on the bill, published last November, will be further delayed. The release of draft secondary legislation for consultation will suffer a similar fate. However, the coming weeks will be telling as to if, and to what extent, the sector should be resigned to further delay to remote gaming licensing commencing. Before Monday’s events mid-2016 was seen as a likely timeframe. Time will tell if this will still hold true.”
Rutger-Jan Hebben, director of Speel verantwoord, the Dutch trade organization of online gaming providers, commented:
“We regret the resignation of a state secretary who has shown great involvement with the modernization of Dutch gaming legislation. As a result of Mr Teeven’s departure, we expect progress on the new remote gaming bill to be delayed until a permanent successor has been appointed.”
Eric van Vondelen, director of Eric van Vondelen Consultancy and former secretary of the Netherlands Gaming Control Board:
“For all those who are involved in gaming, it is a pity that State Secretary Fred Teeven has resigned. He was the only member of government I ever met who was actually sympathetic to the subject. Although matters moved slowly under his direction, at least they were moving.
Having said this, the regulation of remote gambling and other changes in the gambling landscape are cabinet policy. Some short or long term delays may occur and there may be differences in nuance and approach, but as long as the current cabinet remains in charge, the policy of opening up the gambling market will continue.”
