ShareThe Netherlands is really implementing instant and radical reforms to its internet betting legislation in the most forceful tightening of controls since the market was legalised in 2021. With player safety the new priority, government authorities are acting quickly to end what are seen as the dangers to public health—particularly among young people.
Supported by several government ministries and the national regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), these new policy changes include stricter age limits, advertising limits, centralised limits on deposits and much stronger enforcement measures. Although the legal market has yielded huge tax revenue since opening day, the government of the Netherlands now contends that stricter regulation is necessary to curb gambling harm.
Notably, operators serving Dutch players will really also fall within new restrictions on promotional offers. Platforms providing incentives such as no deposit bonuses in The Netherlands will also face scrutiny as the government aims to restrict incentives that might encourage vulnerable segments to gamble excessively.
Raising the Bar
The Dutch government will increase the legal age for playing slots and other “high-risk” products to 21 from 18 in its most discussed reform. The move comes in the wake of evidence that those aged 18-24 are disproportionately vulnerable to harm arising from gambling, especially in high-stimulation settings such as digital casinos.
The Netherlands will raise the entry threshold to limit the access of those most prone to problem gambling. The reform also ticks many boxes for mental health experts as the Netherlands moves to keep up with Belgium and Sweden in raising the entry threshold.
The change is expected to directly impact operator revenues in the immediate future since slots have routinely ranked as the most in-demand category in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, legislators maintain the long-term objective of reducing the risk of addiction trumps the financial blow to the sector.
Deposit Limits Go Centralised and Mandatory
Deposit limits are not a new element in Dutch gaming policy, but the planned reforms will standardise these limits for all licensed operators. In the latest model, players will face a national spending limit and a request to increase it will trigger a comprehensive financial affordability assessment.
This compares to the existing system, in which the deposit limits are defined per operator and frequently subject to user judgment. Critics have also long complained that the system enables persistent gamblers to circumvent the rules by simply opening new accounts through alternative operators.
Through a centralised limit, the government aims to establish a stronger safety net that deters financial excess and makes it harder to bet more than a person should.
Ad Ban Tightens
Advertising in the Netherlands has been under scrutiny for over a year, following the earlier restrictions on celebrity endorsements, social media campaigns and television commercials promoting gaming products.
Now, authorities are taking it a step further. With the new “prohibited unless permitted” approach, all gambling adverts are prohibited by default—even legitimate providers' adverts are subject to this ban—unless the regulator in question explicitly authorises them. This is intended to safeguard consumers, including children and self-excluded individuals, against exposure to gambling material.
They no longer will be allowed to advertise through influencers, sports sponsorships or even banner ads without being given specific permission to do so. It represents a complete flip of the opt-out model many companies have grown accustomed to.
For licensed providers already struggling to comply, this represents a tough new landscape—and it tilts the balance even harder toward unlicensed offshore sites that are not subject to the same restrictions.
Kansspelautoriteit Gains Expanded Enforcement Power
Another central part of the proposal is the increase in the scope of powers for the Netherlands' regulator of the gaming market, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The Dutch regulator will be able to carry on undercover operations, deny access to illegal websites and sanction third-party providers of services—payment processors and ISPs—supporting illegal gambling.
This enhanced power entails suspending licenses in emergencies, freezing player accounts and seizing marketing assets without a court order for suspected offences.
This is part of a broader effort to crack down on the black market that officials estimate still attracts many Dutch players. The goal is straightforward: make it more difficult for illegal providers to reach Dutch users and have real-world consequences for those who attempt to do so.
The CRUKS Self-Exclusion Scheme Has Been Upgraded
The CRUKS system implemented in 2021 was aimed to enable voluntary or involuntary self-exclusion of individuals from gaming. Today, the government of the Netherlands aims to simplify and enhance the program.
These new features include real-time CRUKS checks before registering an account, enhanced enforcement of bans and more privacy controls. The operators will also have to actively help players register on CRUKS rather than provide it as a passive alternative.
In addition, the users identified in CRUKS will be entirely excluded from receiving any gambling-related message—ranging from email marketing campaigns to social media retargeting. This establishes a safety net for vulnerable gamblers not to relapse.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands has sent a clear message: consumer and vulnerable group protection is non-negotiable. With the new proposed reforms, the government of the Netherlands is mapping out a new path for what a responsible form of online gambling should entail.
Nevertheless, the threat of overcorrecting remains. By restricting legitimate operators' ability to do business successfully, regulators risk driving users to the same risk zones that policymakers are trying to avoid. The challenge is implementing the policy with precision and balance, ensuring safety without sacrificing sustainability.
