Ksa imposes strict new rules on operators
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2 Sep 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The Kanspelautoriteit (Ksa) has announced a major overhaul of its online gaming licensing policy, with a planned entry into force on 1 January 2026. This decision follows the forthcoming expiry of the licences issued in September 2021 and developments in the Dutch online gaming market.
A necessary reform for the online gaming market
The current licences, issued for a period of five years, will expire on 1 October 2026. The Ksa explains that this revision is essential to ensure the continuity and reliability of the market, as well as to incorporate the lessons learned from the experience of the past five years.
This reform also marks a turning point for operators already present on the market, who will now have to follow a specific procedure to obtain an extension of their licence. This procedure goes beyond mere administrative compliance: it assesses the ability of operators to prevent the risks of addiction, to control their advertising and to demonstrate their reliability over the long term.
New obligations for all licence applicants
The reform introduces a number of new requirements for all operators wishing to obtain a licence, whether they are new entrants or incumbents. These include:
- Proactive communication with the Ksa: Each application must now include a document detailing how the supplier will inform the Ksa of any significant changes in its policies or operations. This requirement is designed to ensure continuous and responsive oversight.
- Exit plan: Applicants must also submit an exit plan, explaining how they will reduce the supply of games if the licence is terminated. This document must demonstrate the operator’s ability to manage transitions responsibly for players.
- Reinforced reliability: The Ksa insists on the legal track record of suppliers. If an operator has not complied with irrevocable or enforceable judgements, its reliability may be called into question, which constitutes grounds for refusal.
- Wwft risk analysis: Operators must include a risk analysis under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act in their file.
These measures are intended to make the market safer, but they also represent a logistical challenge for operators, who must adapt their internal processes before submitting an application.
The procedure for licence extensions
For operators already active on the market, obtaining a licence extension involves a complete reassessment of several areas:
- Addiction prevention: operators must demonstrate the effectiveness of their measures to limit the risks associated with gambling.
- Recruitment policy and advertising: all marketing and recruitment practices are scrutinised to ensure that they comply with legal and ethical standards.
- Integration tests: for the CDB (Control Database) section, a new series of tests is required to confirm that the technical systems meet Ksa standards.
A central aspect of this procedure is the evaluation of past errors. Operators must explain how they have learned from their mistakes and what corrective measures have been put in place. If these explanations are deemed insufficient, the Ksa may refuse the licence or impose additional restrictions.
Why these changes are crucial
The opening up of the Dutch online market was accompanied by temporary licences of up to five years. This limited duration allows the Ksa to adapt supervision and regulatory requirements over time, in line with operators’ performance.
With the rapid development of technology and the increase in the number of online gamblers, the authorities want to avoid regulatory loopholes and ensure that operators remain responsible. The new rules will help to:
- Strengthen player protection.
- Improve transparency and communication between providers and the Ksa.
- Encourage financial and legal compliance.
Adapting the Ksa rules is more than just an administrative adjustment. It is a strategic step towards consolidating a regulated, reliable and responsible market. With these measures coming into force on 1 January 2026, operators will be challenged to remain compliant, while players will benefit from a safer environment.