Online gambling in the Netherlands has changed significantly in the past few years, and the country has become an example for online casino regulation that many other nations can follow. The Dutch government has steadily introduced progressive measures that improve player protections and promote responsible gambling. By regulating deposit limits, mandatory player-provider interactions, and proposing even more regulatory reforms, the country’s approach is comprehensive and prioritizes the players while allowing for the growth of the industry.
The State of Gambling Regulation in the Netherlands
Before April 2021, online gambling was illegal in the Netherlands. This all changed with the enactment of the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand). This law legalized online gambling, establishing a framework for licensing. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is the regulatory body that oversees online gambling in the Netherlands.
The objectives of the Remote Gambling Act are to direct players who have been accessing offshore sites to legal platforms where fair play can be ensured. Today, the best online casinos in the Netherlands are fully licensed and implement safeguards to protect players from harm, protect data, and prevent fraud.
Despite ongoing efforts from Dutch lawmakers, challenges regarding the effectiveness of current measures remain. A 2024 report by the Scientific Research and Data Centre found that the Remote Gambling Act placed the responsibility on players to regulate their gambling behaviours, and considered measures inadequate.
New Regulations Introduced October 2024
In response to ongoing concerns, the government implemented tighter restrictions in October 2024. These new regulations focused on improving player awareness and having more control over gambling behavior.
Key new measures are:
- Players are subject to net deposit limits of €700 ($777) per month. Once this threshold has been reached, further deposits are blocked. Players aged 18 to 24 have a deposit limit of €300 ($325).
- When registering for a casino, players must set personal deposit limits in a neutral setting without any advertising or pre-filled options. Players who wish to increase their limits must contact the gambling provider, and in response, the provider must notify the player of the risks associated with spending more. The player must also get access to support resources.
- All transactions and funds must be shown in euros. The use of points or tokens are no longer allowed, so players understand how much they’re really spending.
- Players will receive pop-up notifications every 30 minutes while gaming to remind them of their playtime and their limits.
These measures allowed for a more conscious gambling environment where players are constantly reminded of their gambling behavior. It also encourages them to make informed decisions.
Proposed New Gambling Bill by the End of 2025
The Dutch government is considering the introduction of a new comprehensive gambling bill by the end of 2025. The bill is being driven by Teun Struycken, State Secretary for Legal Protection, and is suggesting several new reforms to gambling regulation. According to Struycken, the aim of the bill is “to protect all citizens against the risk of gambling. So also people who do not (yet) gamble.”
Proposed reforms include:
- Raising the minimum age for online slots: The minimum age for playing online slot games will change from 18 to 21.
- Stricter advertising regulations: A limit on gambling advertising, including a ban on TV, radio (including podcasts), and outdoor ads. There will also be restrictions on online marketing to people under 24 and no influencer or celebrity endorsements of casino platforms or games.
- Greater regulatory powers: The KSA will receive greater enforcement capabilities. The authority will be able to block illegal online casinos and impose strict penalties on non-compliant site operators.
The proposed bill aims to strengthen the existing regulatory framework and address ongoing challenges in the online gambling industry.
A Future Prioritizing Player Protections
The Netherlands’ changes to regulations as of 2021 show how lawmakers and casinos wishing to be compliant are shifting towards player protections and intervention. Operators are being held responsible for monitoring player behavior and stepping in if there are concerns. This legal model is looking to mitigate potential risks associated with irresponsible gambling behaviors.
There is also an emphasis on transparency, with sites having to show real monetary values and provide regular reminders so players can make informed choices regarding their gambling sessions. Many sites are incorporating support mechanisms, like the national self-exclusion scheme, the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (CRUKS).
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands is setting a new standard for online casino regulation. The country is implementing an approach that balances market growth and player protections. Recent measures introduced in October, along with new legislative proposals, have allowed the Dutch framework to become a gold standard for responsible gambling.
The proactive changes that the Netherlands is making are a leading example of how regulatory bodies can protect players while creating an ethical online gambling environment.
