The Dutch Gambling Market Faces Major Changes Amidst Regulatory Challenges
The Netherlands’ gambling market is undergoing significant transformations, driven by new leadership, regulatory changes, and a critical government review that questions the effectiveness of current regulations. With new deposit limits, increased taxation, and potential restrictions on online gambling, the landscape for both operators and players is shifting dramatically.
New Leadership: A Changing Regulatory Landscape
The Dutch government has appointed Teun Struycken as Junior Minister of Legal Protections, a role that oversees gambling policy. Representing the New Social Contract (NSC) party, Struycken inherits a controversial portfolio that includes a proposed ban on online gambling, which aligns with NSC’s anti-gambling stance. His appointment follows the lengthy coalition negotiations that resulted in a new conservative-leaning government.
Simultaneously, Michel Groothuizen will take over as chairman of the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), on July 1. Groothuizen, who was involved in the establishment of the KSA in 2012, aims to implement stronger regulations to ensure safe and responsible gambling while addressing key industry concerns.
Upcoming Regulatory Reforms and Player Protections
One of the most anticipated changes comes into effect on October 1, introducing mandatory checks for players exceeding monthly deposit limits. These financial risk checks will require operators to monitor high-risk gambling behaviors more closely. Players depositing over €700 per month (or €300 for those aged 18-24) will be contacted and may need to provide proof of income.
Additionally, the Dutch Parliament has voted to ban online slots and all gambling advertising, although these measures have not yet been signed into law. The prohibition of online slots could upend the market, as online casinos currently account for 77% of the country’s gambling gross gaming revenue (GGR).
A Critical Government Review: Regulations Falling Short?
A recent government-commissioned review of the Remote Gambling Act has concluded that current regulations are failing to adequately protect players. The report criticized the existing responsible gambling measures, calling them insufficient and ineffective in preventing gambling-related harm.
Key findings from the review include:
- Duty of Care Concerns: Operators have been tasked with ensuring responsible gambling, but the review argues that leaving care responsibilities to gambling businesses with commercial incentives is “naïve.”
- Spending Limits Under Scrutiny: While limits exist, they are deemed ineffective in protecting vulnerable players.
- Advertising Risks: Despite previous bans on untargeted advertising, gambling promotions are still seen as encouraging excessive gambling, particularly among young adults.
- Match-Fixing Oversight: The review found that while match-fixing is not widespread, the current regulations do not provide adequate information-sharing mechanisms between authorities and sports organizations.
Increasing Gambling Taxes: A Threat to Operators?
The Dutch government has confirmed a two-phase tax increase for gambling operators. The gaming tax will rise from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025 and further increase to 37.8% in 2026. The government expects to generate an additional €202 million per year from this tax hike.
However, industry leaders warn that the tax increase could have devastating consequences. A report by Atlas Research found that the tax hike could push licensed operators out of the Dutch market, forcing players to unregulated offshore sites. The state-owned Holland Casino has also raised concerns, stating that the new tax rates may force them to shut down physical branches or discontinue their online gambling services altogether.
Industry Reaction: Backlash from Operators and Trade Groups
The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and other trade bodies have strongly opposed these changes, arguing that they will undermine the legal market and drive consumers toward illegal operators. NOGA has also warned that banning online slots could backfire, making gambling more dangerous by pushing players to unregulated sites with fewer consumer protections.
Helma Lodders, chairman of the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK), has called for a careful balance between protecting players and maintaining an attractive legal gambling offering.
What’s Next? More Restrictions on the Horizon
The Dutch Parliament has also voted on additional proposals that could further reshape the market, including:
- Handing over gambling regulation to the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport
- Developing a national anti-gambling framework similar to the government’s tobacco strategy
- Introducing credit checks to prevent gambling addiction
While these motions have passed in Parliament, they still require ministerial approval and Senate confirmation before becoming law. Minister for Legal Protection Franc Weerwind has previously advised MPs to wait for further research before implementing drastic changes.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Gambling in the Netherlands
With a critical regulatory review, an aggressive tax hike, and potential bans on online slots and advertising, the Dutch gambling market is facing unprecedented challenges. The government’s efforts to tighten controls reflect growing concerns over problem gambling, yet industry stakeholders warn that overly restrictive measures could drive players to unregulated markets.
As new policies take shape, operators, regulators, and policymakers must strike a balance between consumer protection and maintaining a viable, competitive gambling market. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Netherlands can successfully reform its gambling sector without causing unintended harm to both businesses and consumers.