The Dutch government is preparing to introduce significant reforms to its gambling laws, with new regulations expected to take effect by the end of 2025. Led by State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken, the proposed changes aim to strengthen player protections, particularly for younger and more vulnerable individuals. One of the most notable updates includes raising the minimum gambling age for high-risk games to 21, alongside stricter advertising controls and enhanced regulatory enforcement.
Raising the Minimum Age for High-Risk Gambling
A key component of the proposed legislation is the increase in the minimum age for participating in high-risk gambling activities, such as online slots, from 18 to 21. Struycken emphasized that young adults are particularly susceptible to problem gambling and financial difficulties, making the change necessary to provide stronger safeguards. “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 stated in a letter to parliament.
The move follows recommendations from the Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC), which found that younger players are more likely to engage in risky gambling behaviors. Research indicated that 18% of young adult gamblers exhibited high-risk patterns, compared to just 1% of the general gambling population.
Stricter Deposit Limits and Affordability Checks
In addition to raising the gambling age, the Dutch government is set to impose overarching deposit limits across all gambling platforms. This initiative aims to prevent excessive losses and ensure that players do not bypass limits by gambling on multiple sites. Players who wish to exceed their deposit cap will need to undergo an affordability assessment to verify they can sustain higher gambling expenses without significant financial risk.
Current regulations already impose limits of €300 for players aged 18-24 and €700 for older players. A recent study revealed that since the introduction of these measures, the number of young adults exceeding deposit limits dropped from 12% to 2.8%. However, concerns remain that stricter deposit policies could drive high-stakes gamblers toward unregulated markets.
Tighter Advertising and Operator Oversight
Gambling-related advertisements in the Netherlands are already heavily restricted, with a blanket ban on TV, radio, and public spaces. Online marketing is limited to individuals aged 24 and older, and celebrity endorsements are strictly prohibited. The new law aims to further curb gambling promotion, ensuring advertisements do not disproportionately appeal to young audiences.
Operators will also face stricter duty of care requirements, compelling them to take more proactive steps in identifying and assisting players at risk of gambling-related harm. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ gambling regulator, will be granted additional powers to crack down on illegal gambling operators. These measures include the ability to block unauthorized websites and impose higher penalties on non-compliant license holders.
The Shift in Gambling Policy and Its Implications
The upcoming reforms represent a major departure from previous Dutch gambling policies, which historically placed greater emphasis on individual responsibility. Originally introduced in 2011, the existing regulations have been criticized for failing to adequately protect players, particularly with the rise of online gambling.
As Struycken explained, “For me, the most important starting point is protecting all citizens from gambling-related harm. In doing so, I go beyond preventing addiction and also look at other harm that participation in gambling can cause, such as debts.” This shift in approach mirrors similar regulatory movements in other European countries, such as Ireland, which recently introduced stricter gambling laws focused on reducing harm among young players.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
For licensed gambling operators in the Netherlands, the proposed changes will necessitate major adjustments. Companies will be required to implement stricter age verification systems, enforce deposit caps, and ensure marketing practices align with the new guidelines. The KSA’s enhanced enforcement powers will also place greater pressure on operators to maintain compliance, with a newly introduced penalty system imposing higher fines for violations.
The Dutch government expects to present a draft bill by March 2025, with full implementation targeted for the end of the year. Meanwhile, discussions continue on whether certain measures, such as expanded duty of care obligations and additional advertising restrictions, should be introduced sooner.
While some industry representatives warn that heightened restrictions could push more players toward the black market, policymakers remain committed to tightening regulations in order to foster a safer gambling environment. The Dutch government’s latest initiative reflects an increasing global trend toward prioritizing player protection over operator flexibility, ensuring that gambling remains a controlled and regulated activity within the country.
Source:
Fundamental change of course in gambling policy, rijksoverheid.nl, February 14, 2025.