Netherlands reviews gambling operators’ compliance

Seven licensed gambling operators in the Netherlands have either been investigated or are currently under scrutiny for failing to adequately protect players from excessive losses, according to Minister for Legal Protection Teun Struycken.

Three of these investigations specifically focus on serious financial losses suffered by young adults.

Struycken revealed this in a letter to the House of Representatives, where he also outlined upcoming reforms aimed at tightening gambling legislation, expanding regulatory authority, and revising the duty of care obligations for licensed operators. These efforts are intended to combat the increasing normalisation of gambling among youth and better manage addiction risks.

As part of the initiative, the Trimbos Institute’s Gambling Expertise Centre has been tasked with forming an independent working group of both national and international experts. This group will provide recommendations on how operators can better detect and respond to risky gambling behaviour. While the final report isn’t expected until summer 2026, the group will issue early guidance that can help shape the legislative process.

The proposed legal changes—originally outlined in Struycken’s February policy letter-could come as new laws or administrative orders. They will be informed by research, expert advice, and industry-wide reviews. Struycken emphasized the need for ongoing structural guidance on enforcing duty of care, and noted the working group will also suggest a permanent advisory framework beyond the project’s scope.

This update coincides with a new government-commissioned study, Participation in Gambling in the Netherlands: Measurement 2025, which shows a marked increase in online gambling among young people. Among 16 to 17-year-olds, online gambling participation rose from 12% in 2024 to 20% in 2025. For those aged 18 to 24, it increased from 17% to 21%. Overall gambling activity also grew, from 65% to 69% (or 34% to 37% excluding lotteries).

Struycken expressed particular concern about the spike in gambling among minors. He reiterated that licensed operators must verify the age and identity of users before registration and noted that the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) found no evidence of underage registrations on regulated sites. This indicates that minors may be accessing gambling via illegal platforms or using someone else’s account.

To address this, the KSA has opened an investigation into whether minors are making payments to gambling operators, including through bank transfers, with results expected soon. The KSA has also strengthened its enforcement capacity, allowing for increased monitoring of operators.

One of the seven investigations has already resulted in a €734,000 fine. The KSA plans to intensify its focus on whether providers are intervening in cases of harmful gambling behaviour. Additional evaluations are ongoing to assess the current effectiveness of responsible gambling strategies.

Meanwhile, the government is expanding its prevention initiatives. A revamped version of the KSA’s Gambling Information Desk website will launch in September, offering self-assessment tools and access to support services, with a strong focus on younger audiences.

Struycken is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to develop a new long-term strategy for preventing gambling harm. Additionally, the Addiction Science Netherlands (VKN) network is being consulted on ways to integrate gambling risk education into school and community-based prevention programs.

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