Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands' Gambling Authority, has outlined an ambitious regulatory strategy for 2025 in its Supervisory Agenda. This comprehensive roadmap emphasizes strengthening protections for young players under 24, curbing illegal gambling, and tightening advertising regulations.
Protecting Young Players: A Core Objective
A major highlight of the 2025 agenda is safeguarding players under 24 years of age. Despite implementing deposit limits in October 2024—€700 for players aged 25 and above, and €300 for those under 24—the KSA remains vigilant about the risks young adults face in the online gambling space.
The authority plans to thoroughly investigate minors’ involvement in licensed gambling activities. It will also scrutinize how operators market their services to younger demographics, seeking to understand and curb enticing tactics. According to the KSA, additional measures will include expanding information provided to these groups and ensuring that advertising strategies do not exploit their vulnerability.
Advertising Regulations Under the Microscope
In response to persistent violations of advertising standards, the KSA intends to implement stricter compliance measures. The authority noted ongoing concerns about the role of influencers and affiliates who use their platforms to target young or vulnerable audiences. The updated agenda bans non-targeted advertising, prohibits athletes and influencers from promoting gambling, and promises intensified supervision in this area.
The KSA acknowledged its challenges in regulating advertising, particularly as violations of tightened rules from 2024 were widespread. Moving forward, operators can expect clearer guidance and stricter enforcement of compliance.
Meanwhile, the fight against unauthorized gambling platforms remains a key priority. The KSA is committed to cracking down on illegal websites and intermediary services that support them, such as payment processors and affiliate networks. A recent case highlights the urgency of this effort—Alimaniere was fined €1.1 million for operating without proper authorization, exacerbated by the lack of an age verification system that could allow minors to access their services.
The Supervisory Agenda emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to identify and close loopholes in the business-to-business (B2B) chain that enable illegal operations. By working with internet service providers and payment processors, the KSA aims to effectively disrupt these networks.
Expanding Duty-of-Care Requirements
Ensuring operators fulfill their duty-of-care obligations is another critical component of the agenda. The KSA stresses the importance of diligent monitoring of player risk profiles to identify problem gamblers early. Operators will also be required to direct at-risk players to CRUKS, the national self-exclusion system.
This year, the authority will extend its oversight to include land-based gambling establishments. Inspections will focus on compliance with duty-of-care standards, ensuring all venues provide safe gambling environments.
The regulator’s 2025 agenda reflects its ongoing commitment to balancing consumer protection with the regulation of the gambling industry. By prioritizing vulnerable groups, addressing illegal operations, and refining advertising oversight, the authority aims to foster a safer and more responsible gambling landscape in the Netherlands.
Source:
''Toezichtagenda 2025: focus op jeugd, zorgplicht, illegalen en reclame'', kansspelautoriteit.nl, January 09, 2025.
