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The Dutch government is taking significant steps to tighten gambling regulations in response to increasing concerns over addiction and the effectiveness of current laws. A key proposal, announced by Teun Struycken, State Secretary for Legal Protection, suggests raising the age limit for high-risk gambling—specifically online slots—to 21. This change is part of a broader package of measures aimed at promoting responsible gambling and safeguarding players, particularly young adults, from the potential harms of addiction.
The proposed age restriction is designed to reduce the number of young people engaging in high-risk gambling behaviors. In 2021, when online gambling was legalized in the Netherlands, studies showed a growing trend of young adults participating in high-risk gambling, with many requiring addiction treatment. The government is now responding by revising the Remote Gambling Act, acknowledging its failure to effectively curb gambling risks.
The new legislation, expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, includes a 21+ age limit for certain high-risk gambling activities, such as online slots, and introduces overarching deposit limits to prevent players from exceeding their gambling budgets across multiple platforms. To ensure financial safety, players will be required to undergo financial capacity assessments before increasing their deposit limits.
The Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) will also be granted expanded powers to combat illegal gambling. These include the ability to block unlicensed websites, work with internet providers and financial institutions to restrict access to illegal operators, and suspend licenses for regulated platforms that fail to comply with new rules.
The government also aims to introduce stricter advertising regulations, which will limit the appeal of gambling advertisements. Currently, gambling ads are banned in public spaces, on radio and television, and to individuals under 24. New proposals will further restrict advertising to prevent the glamorization of gambling to young audiences.
The government is particularly focused on protecting minors and young adults, who are more vulnerable to developing harmful gambling behaviors. Struycken emphasized the importance of preventing gambling-related harm, not only addiction but also financial consequences such as debts. As part of the reforms, the government is also seeking input from European policymakers on how to tackle the issue of illegal gambling, which remains a significant problem, with an estimated half of all gambling activity in the Netherlands taking place on unlicensed platforms.
Recent reports show some positive effects from the deposit limits already in place. In the four months following their introduction, the number of players exceeding the deposit limits dropped significantly, from 9.7% to 3.8%. Among young adults, this decline was even more significant, falling from 12% to 2.8%. However, the Kansspelautoriteit has acknowledged concerns that some high-stakes gamblers may have turned to illegal operators to bypass these limits, as gross gaming revenue from regulated operators has dropped by 10% since the measures were implemented.
Despite the positive trends, Struycken and the government are not resting on their laurels, noting that further steps are needed to protect young people and ensure that gambling remains safe and sustainable for all citizens.
Sources: Gambling Insider, iGaming Today
