Netherlands to Raise Gambling Age and Tighten Regulations

The Netherlands is preparing to introduce sweeping changes to its gambling regulations, with a new bill expected by the end of 2025. The proposed legislation, led by State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken, aims to enhance player protection measures, particularly for young adults and vulnerable groups. Among the key reforms is an increase in the minimum age for participating in online slots and other high-risk gambling activities from 18 to 21.

Strengthening Gambling Laws for Player Protection

Struycken’s initiative follows a review of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which found that the existing framework did not provide adequate safeguards against gambling-related harm. The Dutch government launched the review last year, publishing findings in November that highlighted deficiencies in responsible gambling policies and concerns over increasing problem gambling rates. In response, Struycken announced his commitment to tightening regulations, emphasizing that "the most important starting point is protecting all citizens from gambling-related harm."

One of the most significant proposed changes is the introduction of an overarching deposit limit, which would apply across all gambling platforms. This measure aims to prevent players from bypassing limits set on one site by gambling on multiple platforms. Players wishing to exceed their deposit cap would need to undergo a financial capacity assessment to prove they can afford additional gambling expenses without significant risk.

The proposed bill also seeks to reinforce the regulatory powers of Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority. Under the new framework, KSA would gain enhanced enforcement capabilities, including the ability to block illegal gambling websites and impose stricter oversight on licensed operators.

New Advertising Restrictions and Industry Impact

The Netherlands has already implemented strict gambling advertising rules, prohibiting ads on television, radio, and in public spaces. Online marketing is also heavily restricted, allowing operators to target only consumers aged 24 and older. Struycken’s proposed bill intends to tighten these restrictions even further, ensuring that gambling promotions are less appealing to young adults and vulnerable individuals.

Alongside advertising constraints, Struycken plans to advocate for stronger international cooperation to combat unregulated gambling markets. By engaging with European policymakers, he aims to create a coordinated approach to tackling illegal operators that circumvent national regulations.

Effectiveness of Current Measures and Industry Challenges

The KSA introduced mandatory deposit limits in October, capping deposits at €300 for players aged 18-24 and €700 for older players. An initial evaluation conducted four months later revealed that the percentage of players exceeding these limits had dropped significantly. Among young adults, the proportion of high depositors fell from 12% to 2.8%, while the overall percentage declined from 9.7% to 3.8%. Additionally, the average loss per player decreased from €117 to €83, and legal gambling operators saw a 10% drop in gross gaming revenue.

Despite these reductions, concerns persist about the potential shift of high-stakes gamblers to illegal platforms. The KSA estimated that while 91% of Dutch players remain within the regulated market, approximately half of all gambling expenditures may now be directed toward unlicensed operators. This underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring that restrictive measures do not inadvertently drive players to riskier, unregulated alternatives.

Looking Ahead: Proposed Legal Reforms and Their Implications

The forthcoming legislation is part of a broader governmental effort to reform the Dutch gambling landscape, particularly in response to findings from the Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC). The WODC study criticized current regulations for placing excessive responsibility on players to manage their gambling habits, rather than enforcing robust operator accountability. It also highlighted that 18% of young adults using personal gambling accounts fell into the high-risk category, compared to just 1% of the general gambling population.

While the proposed measures have garnered support from policymakers focused on harm prevention, industry representatives have voiced concerns about potential unintended consequences. The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) warned that raising the minimum gambling age could push more young players toward illegal platforms, exacerbating existing regulatory challenges.

Struycken remains steadfast in his commitment to implementing stronger safeguards, asserting that "more is needed" beyond the current advertising bans and deposit limits. A draft version of the new bill is expected by early 2026, with discussions ongoing about accelerating certain measures, such as tighter duty of care obligations for operators.

As the Netherlands moves toward stricter regulations, the gambling industry faces an evolving landscape shaped by increasing oversight, enhanced consumer protections, and growing concerns about black-market migration. The upcoming changes signal a decisive shift in Dutch gambling policy, with a firm focus on minimizing harm while maintaining a controlled and sustainable gaming environment.

Source:

Fundamental change of course in gambling policy, Rijksoverheid, February 14, 2025.