The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has widened its scope to target B2B suppliers and providers that enable illegal gambling in the country.In 2026’s regulatory agenda,...
Dutch government to ban gambling ads and restrict licenses
An agreement published on January 30, 2026, shows the new Dutch government plans to fully ban gambling ads and limit the online licenses available in the market.
The three-party coalition government positioned itself against gambling and compared the industry to sex work in the country.
The agreement stated:
“Online gambling and sex work are legal in the Netherlands, but they are also susceptible to crime and human trafficking. We want to protect vulnerable people in these sectors from profiteers.”
The coalition consists of the centrist D66 Party, the conservative Christian Democrats, and the right-wing VVD Party, and its 67-page agreement was revealed with the news of the new government forming in late January 2026.
The former government also had plans to introduce online gambling regulation reforms and publish a new Gambling Act by the end of 2025; however, its term ended early after disagreements within the previous coalition.
Critics believe the total ban could push players to the black market. Björn Fuchs, chairman of the VNLOK gambling trade body, stressed that such strict restrictions could undermine the country’s gambling policies.
Fuchs said:
“The current gambling policy is deliberately designed around an open, regulated market with strict requirements for duty of care, advertising, and oversight.”
VNLOK additionally mentioned KSA reports, which show that in October 2025, black market revenue had exceeded the revenue of the legal market.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has fined two operators, ComeOn and Starscream, in an effort to fight against illegal betting activity and enforce player protection....
