Dutch gambling sector chooses new slogan: Avoid Regrets, Stop In Time 18+

The Hague, 5 November 2021

In the past months, the Ministry of Justice and Safety, under the direction of the Trimbos Institute, has worked on a new formulation for the current slogan “Play Consciously, 18+” (Speel Bewust 18+). The reason for this is the entry into force of the new Act on Remote Gambling. The Trimbos Institute has developed five alternatives in cooperation with behavioural experts. The three Dutch gambling trade associations NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK, jointly believe that “Avoid regrets, stop in time, 18+” of these five alternatives is the most appealing, appropriate and effective.

The direct reason for replacing Play Consciously, 18+ was an amendment by member of parliament Mei Li Vos, which stipulated that an unambiguous and clear slogan should be developed, warning of the risks of gambling addiction. This slogan will have to be clearly visible with every advertisement for games of chance.

The gaming industry has commissioned independent research into a more effective and solid slogan, also drawing on the expertise of behavioural experts and independent scientists. From this research, the proposal “limit your deposit, know your limit, 18+” emerged as the most suitable. Unfortunately, this could not count on the support of the joint addiction care. In the same survey, the five slogans of the Trimbos Institute and addiction care were evaluated, and “Avoid Regrets, Stop in Time, 18+” came out on top.

NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK call on the Minister for Legal Protection to make a quick decision on the new and more effective slogan and to choose “Avoid Regrets, Stop in Time 18+” for sectors where our associations are active. Both consumers and providers benefit from clarity in the short term. The sector is capable of fully implementing this slogan in the short term. The Trimbos Institute will soon present the report with its findings. NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK look forward with confidence to the conclusions and considerations.