KSA backs new vision for Dutch gambling in need of help against the black market

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Gambling Authority of the Netherlands, has underlined its support for a “fundamental change of course in gambling policy.”

The statement accompanied the announcement by Teun Struycken, State Secretary for Legal Protections, that the coalition government will propose a new gambling bill to the Kamer by the end of 2025.

Michel Groothuizen,, Chairman of the KSA, endorsed the State Secretary’s decision to take a new approach to regulating online gambling activities, prioritising the accountability of licence holders and the protection of individuals under 24.

Struycken’s announcement followed “in the slipstream” of the KSA publishing its review and recommendations on the effectiveness of the policies of the Remote Gaming Act (KOA) – the regulatory framework that has governed the Dutch online gambling market since October 2021.

As a regulatory agency, the KSA has urged for greater powers to scrutinise customer care checks by launching covert inspections on licence holders – a provision denied by the previous government.

The KSA has further sought greater privileges to apply direct IP blocks on illegal websites and a review of enforcement measures.

“Let me start by reflecting on the State Secretary’s vision letter. I was pleased with it in many ways. It fills us with satisfaction that many topics that are high on our agenda are also on the State Secretary’s list of priorities.

“His letter also covered many topics that we had requested in previous letters to the department: the possibility of using fake IDs to optimise our supervision, simplifying involuntary registrations in the Cruks register – which we have recently been communicating as the gambling stop for the sake of clarity.”

Groothuizen, outlined his full support for the new protection measures, including raising the age limit on ‘high-risk online games’ to 24+, as a “strong signal to young people.”

“It’s brave of the State Secretary that he is prepared to draw a far-reaching conclusion from the evaluation of the law on online gambling: this is a risky product, and you should not just start using it. You give that warning clearly by raising the minimum age.”

The KSA agrees with the overarching evaluation of the KOA regime that its policy principles placed too much accountability on consumers to mitigate harms. The 24+ protections are needed to redefine societal norms around gambling.

Yet, of utmost concern, the KSA has raised alarms about the increasing financial flow to illegal gambling providers, citing recent research that found the volume of money lost to illicit operators now matches that of legal ones.

“To my annoyance, that same Friday afternoon, this became very clear again: under a news video from NOS on this subject, tips for illegal casinos without age verification were eagerly exchanged. And this is where my only hesitation lies with this policy proposal of Struycken: won’t we lose many more young people to the illegal market?”

Groothuizen underscored the importance of tackling illegal gambling through robust enforcement measures. He backed the State Secretary’s proposal to grant the KSA expanded authority to impose direct IP blocks on illegal websites, a move that would significantly curb unlicensed operators from targeting Dutch consumers. Additionally, he emphasised the need for closer collaboration with financial institutions to cut off transactions to and from unauthorised gambling platforms.

While supporting stricter player protection measures, Groothuizen, urged policymakers to ensure that the legal market remains an attractive and viable alternative to illegal gambling. He reiterated that a well-regulated gambling industry is the best defence against the underground market and that excessive restrictions could backfire.

“Effectively tackling the illegal market is therefore extremely important. Not only because this market may become more interesting for (young adult) players due to stricter regulations, but also because the amount of money involved is much larger than previously assumed and continues to increase.”

In line with this, the KSA Chairman called for a pragmatic approach to policy changes, particularly with proposed player spending limits. While agreeing that overarching spending caps are a positive step in preventing gambling harm, he stressed the importance of setting these limits at reasonable levels to avoid pushing high-risk players towards illegal sites.

“Now is the time to get that wind in the sails to optimise player protection and to counteract the illegal market as much as possible. That is a delicate balance, because you can pull the jib very tight, but if you sail too close to the wind, it will still go against you and you will easily lose course. We must never lose sight of that.”

As discussions on gambling reform continue, Groothuizen reaffirmed the KSA’s role in ensuring that the Dutch gambling market remains fair, safe, and well-regulated, prioritising player protection while minimising the influence of illegal operators.