Netherlands Plans Overhaul of Gambling Laws With Stricter Rules
The Dutch government is set to tighten its gambling regulations significantly, with major legislative changes expected by the end of 2025. State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken has outlined plans to increase protections for players, particularly young adults, by raising the minimum gambling age for high-risk games, strengthening deposit limits, and giving regulators more authority to tackle illegal gambling operations.
Raising the Gambling Age to 21
One of the most impactful changes in the upcoming legislation is the increase in the minimum gambling age for high-risk games from 18 to 21. Struycken emphasized that young adults are more susceptible to developing gambling problems, making it necessary to introduce stricter measures. "It is necessary to protect all people, especially those who have not yet come into contact with gambling or who have stopped gambling. In doing so, I focus in particular on minors and young adults," he explained.
This policy shift aligns with findings from the Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC), which reported that 18% of young adults who gamble show signs of high-risk behavior, compared to only 1% of the general gambling population. With this in mind, the Dutch government is prioritizing the protection of young consumers who are at greater risk of harm.
New Deposit Caps and Financial Assessments
The government is also proposing new spending controls designed to prevent excessive losses. A universal deposit limit will be introduced, ensuring that players cannot circumvent restrictions by playing on multiple platforms. Those wishing to exceed the set limits will have to undergo affordability checks to prove they can sustain their gambling habits without financial distress.
The current deposit restrictions, introduced last year, have already had a significant impact. Players aged 18-24 are currently limited to a €300 monthly deposit cap, while those 25 and older are capped at €700. Since the implementation of these rules, the number of players exceeding deposit limits has fallen drastically—from 12% to 2.8% among young adults and from 9.7% to 3.8% overall. Despite this, regulators remain concerned that some high-stakes gamblers may turn to unlicensed operators.
Stricter Advertising and Regulatory Oversight
The Dutch government has also reinforced its stance on gambling advertisements, aiming to further restrict marketing efforts that could appeal to young or vulnerable audiences. Gambling ads are already banned from television, radio, and public spaces, and online advertising is permitted only for users aged 24 and older. The new legislation is expected to impose even tighter restrictions to reduce gambling exposure.
Regulatory authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) will receive expanded powers to combat unlicensed operators and enforce compliance among legal providers. The regulator will be able to block websites offering illegal gambling services and impose steeper penalties on companies that fail to follow regulations. These measures are part of a broader strategy to maintain a controlled and legal gambling environment within the country.
The Shift in Dutch Gambling Policy
The Netherlands' gambling policies, first established in 2011, have been criticized for being too lenient, placing too much responsibility on individual players and operators. Struycken's proposal aims to change this by shifting the focus toward more proactive protection measures. "For me, the most important starting point is protecting all citizens from gambling-related harm," he stated, highlighting the need for intervention beyond addiction prevention, including financial risks associated with gambling.
This regulatory shift follows similar trends seen in other European nations, such as Ireland, which recently introduced stricter gambling measures to protect young players. The Netherlands aims to balance maintaining a regulated gambling market while minimizing the risks associated with high-stakes gaming.
Impact on the Gambling Industry
For operators, these new rules will mean significant changes. Companies will need to update their systems to comply with the higher age limits, enforce stricter deposit controls, and adjust their marketing strategies to meet the tighter advertising regulations. KSA’s increased enforcement capabilities will also place more pressure on operators to remain compliant, with higher penalties for those that do not.
The Dutch government expects to present a draft of the new gambling bill by March 2025, with full implementation planned for the end of the year. Discussions are ongoing regarding whether certain aspects of the new regulations—such as enhanced duty of care obligations—should be enacted sooner.
Despite concerns that stricter regulations might push some players toward the black market, the government remains committed to ensuring that gambling remains a controlled and regulated activity. The upcoming changes signal a major transformation in Dutch gambling policy, with a strong focus on consumer protection and industry accountability.
Source:Netherlands to Raise Gambling Age and Tighten Regulations, lcb.org, February 18, 2025.