Dutch cabinet rejects citizens' initiative to ban or restrict Postcode Loterij
By The Weekly Edge desk ·
Summary
The Dutch cabinet has rejected both proposals in the citizens' initiative "Stop de Postcodeloterij": a ban on the current Nationale Postcode Loterij format and tighter rules on FOMO-driven advertising. State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen accepts that fear of missing out is part of the lottery's risk profile, but says its gambling-harm risk is much lower than for online slots and casino games. She also cites the lottery's €378 million paid to 150 good causes in 2025, notes both proposals would need legislative change, and prioritises online player-protection legislation. The Tweede Kamer has yet to decide on the initiative.
Why it matters
The cabinet’s rejection leaves the lottery format and its advertising proposals unrestricted for now, while online player protection gets priority.