Gambling in the Netherlands: stricter laws on the horizon
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18 Feb 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The world of gambling is about to undergo a major transformation. State Secretary for Law Protection Teun Struycken recently presented a series of proposals aimed at tightening regulation of the sector. These measures, which include an increase in the minimum age to 21, a single spending limit and strict advertising restrictions, mark a turning point in the way gambling is managed in the Netherlands. But what do these changes mean for players and operators?
Raising the legal age for high-risk gambling
Among the measures envisaged, one of the most significant is the raising of the minimum age required to participate in certain gambling activities considered to be particularly risky. This proposal aims to protect young adults, who are often more vulnerable to addictive behaviour. By restricting access to the most dangerous games to individuals aged 21 and over, legislators hope to reduce the number of problem gamblers in this age group.
In Belgium, gambling is already banned for people under the age of 21.
Introduction of overall deposit limits
Another key proposal concerns the introduction of deposit limits applicable to all online gambling platforms. Currently, players can set deposit limits on each site individually, which can lead to overspending when playing on several platforms simultaneously. The introduction of an overall limit, adjusted according to each player’s financial situation, would make it easier to control spending and prevent addictive behaviour.
Under the current proposal, this limit could be increased by players after an affordability test.
Greater restrictions on advertising
Advertising for gambling is also in the legislators’ sights. Aggressive promotional campaigns are accused of encouraging excessive gambling behaviour, particularly among the most vulnerable groups. The new bills therefore suggest tighter restrictions on advertising, limiting the time slots in which it can be broadcast and banning certain forms of marketing deemed to be too enticing.
The dissemination of information about casinos that makes it possible to distinguish between those that are legal and those that are illegal will still be permitted. This will allow comparison sites and casino news sites to continue to operate.
Strengthening the powers of the regulatory authorities
To ensure compliance with these new measures, it is proposed to increase the powers of the gambling regulatory bodies. This would give the Dutch Gaming authority (Ksa) greater powers to monitor the activities of operators, punish infringements and combat illegal platforms. The aim is to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment for consumers.
Reactions from stakeholders
These proposals have elicited a variety of reactions from players in the sector. Players’ protection associations generally welcome these initiatives, believing that they are a step in the direction of better consumer protection. Conversely, some gambling operators have expressed reservations, fearing that overly severe restrictions will affect their business and encourage players to turn to unregulated platforms.
Prospects for adoption and implementation
These proposals are part of a wider context of growing concern about the harmful effects of gambling. Problems of addiction, debt and the impact on mental health have become subjects of public debate.
The legislative process is underway, and these proposals still need to be debated and voted on by parliamentary bodies. If they are adopted, their implementation will require close coordination between the regulatory authorities, gaming operators and player protection associations. Awareness-raising campaigns could also be deployed to inform the public of the new measures and promote responsible gambling practices.