Netherlands Sets Stricter Online Casino Deposit Limits for Safer Gambling

The Netherlands has introduced tighter regulations for online gambling, focusing on deposit limits to enhance player protection. These measures, aimed at reducing problem gambling, establish clear thresholds for how much players can deposit within a calendar month, creating new safeguards for all age groups.

Under the new regulations, effective October 1, players over 24 face a monthly net deposit limit of €700 ($760). If this threshold is reached, further deposits will be blocked for the rest of the calendar month. 

For younger players, aged between 18 and 24, the limit is set significantly lower, at €300 ($325). The restrictions reset at the beginning of each calendar month, and players are prompted to set their own personal deposit limits when they first sign up with a gambling operator.

Stricter Safeguards for Young Adults

The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) , played a key role in the creation of these rules, aiming to protect the most vulnerable players, particularly young adults. The introduction of the €300 limit for individuals aged 18-24 reflects this focus. In addition to the deposit restrictions, operators are required to conduct financial checks when deposits from young players exceed the limit, and further deposits will be blocked unless proof of financial capacity is provided.

Helma Lodders, chair of the Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK), emphasized the importance of these measures, particularly for younger players. She stated that VNLOK members have already implemented additional protective measures, including stricter play limits for this age group and other responsible gambling initiatives.

VNLOK also highlighted its support for the new regulations, which align with the organization's commitment to keeping the Dutch gambling market safe and responsible. Lodders added, "VNLOK is in favor of proven effective measures that keep the Dutch online gambling market safe and responsible," and she commented on the ongoing evaluation of Dutch gambling law through the Remote Gambling Act, which could bring further changes by the end of the year.

Real-Time Monitoring and Financial Assessments

The new deposit limits form part of a broader set of rules aimed at curbing problem gambling. Operators are now required to monitor players in real-time, with specific attention to excessive gambling behavior such as long hours of continuous play or frequent deposits. If harmful patterns are detected, operators must intervene within one hour, ensuring that gambling remains a safe activity.

This real-time surveillance will be conducted 24/7, and any signs of harm, such as gambling for extended periods at night or gambling for more than six hours daily, will trigger mandatory intervention by the operator.

Increased Net Deposit Limits with Proof of Income

Despite the strict limits, there is flexibility for players who can demonstrate the financial ability to gamble beyond the established thresholds. Players may request an increase in their net deposit limits by providing proof of income or assets. The maximum allowable increase is generally capped at 30% of the player’s net income, and only after verification will the provider authorize a higher deposit limit. This safeguard ensures that only players with sufficient disposable income can gamble above the standard thresholds.

In addition to deposit limits, online operators must ensure players are fully aware of the risks associated with gambling, particularly those with set limits of €350 per month or higher (€150 for young adults). Pop-up messages are now mandated to appear every 30 minutes, informing players about how long they’ve been gambling and when they’ve reached the halfway point of their pre-set time limit.

Broader Impacts of the New Regulations

The introduction of these deposit limits comes as part of the Dutch government's broader efforts to create a safer online gambling environment. The new rules also follow a study by KSA in September 2023, which revealed that many operators were not intervening promptly with at-risk players. This finding, alongside stricter advertising rules and a ban on role models in gambling ads, prompted the development of the new responsible gaming measures.

Moreover, the new rules align with recent discussions around increasing gambling taxes in the Netherlands. In May, a coalition proposed raising gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%, while the House of Representatives voted in April to ban high-risk online gambling and online gambling advertising, reflecting the growing concerns around gambling harm in the country.

The new deposit limits, which came into effect on October 1, 2024, are a significant step in strengthening the protection of Dutch players, particularly younger individuals. With mandatory financial checks, real-time monitoring, and personal deposit limits, the Dutch gambling regulator and operators aim to foster a safer and more responsible gambling market. 

Source: Deposit Limits to Take Effect Under New Dutch Gambling Rules from October 1, lcb.org, October 1, 2024.