The environment for licensed gambling businesses in the Netherlands has become increasingly challenging. Tighter restrictions introduced since 2021, combined with the rise of unauthorised providers, are creating an unstable landscape. Casino Market's experts have prepared a detailed overview of the current situation in the Dutch iGaming sector.
Tough Rules and New Laws Ahead
Measures to reduce exposure and advertising have had unintended consequences, prompting many to turn to less regulated options.
Key factors impacting the Dutch gambling niche include:
- bans on most types of advertising and sponsorship;
- strict user protection rules, including spending limits;
- government plans for further regulation in 2025.
State officials are preparing further updates to existing laws, which are expected to be released later this year.
The new rules may include additional controls, such as:
- raising the minimum age for access to high-risk products;
- stricter monitoring of user activity;
- expansion of promotional restrictions.
Many experts warn that the strategy may soon face reconsideration. At iGB Live in London, legal specialist Justin Franssen remarked that authorities often react too late, only reversing decisions after significant damage has occurred. He noted that if uncontrolled services continue to gain ground, a policy shift could become necessary.
Potential for Legal Review
Data from Dutch regulator KSA suggests a 93% shift toward approved operators. However, research from H2 shows roughly half of the activity still involves unauthorised options. By 2030, it is expected that the controlled niche may hold only 45% of the overall value.
Stricter rules and higher taxes have already pushed some major names out of the Dutch space. Examples include LiveScore Bet, which declared its business model unsustainable, and Tombola, owned by Flutter, which also withdrew in 2023.
In addition, a two-year plan to tighten advertising was finalised in mid-2025.
Steps included:
- a 2023 restriction on untargeted ads across most media;
- a 2024 block on event and show sponsorship;
- a July 2025 ban on deals with sports clubs and tournaments.
Parliament also voted in favour of a future limit on high-risk digital content, though this has yet to be implemented.
Among other concerns is the growth of unauthorised services. According to Peter Rampertaap from the KSA, many consumers, especially younger users, struggle to recognise which platforms are approved.
Recent findings from the KSA show:
- the lack of taxes and restrictions makes illegal businesses attractive;
- recent rules caused a 31% drop in average monthly losses;
- a rise in searches for the top 100 unlicensed services nationwide.
These trends underline the appeal of unregulated options, which often involve fewer rules and lower costs.
Slow Legal Process
The creation of the current system was delayed for years.
Key milestones include:
- proposal of the Remote Gambling Act in 2014;
- Parliamentary approval in 2016;
- market opening in 2021.
The legal space started with 10 licensed operators, but now includes 27, with 22 currently active platforms.
Industry observers believe the early period was mishandled. Mike de Graaff of BetComply said that many saw it as a short-term financial opportunity, rather than a space to build responsibly. Mr Franssen added that excessive marketing created a strong reaction, leading to strict measures that now affect the entire sector. He noted that public perception has shifted, comparing the current mood to how society views tobacco or alcohol.
Two of the first legal groups, Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij, are state-owned. They were among the biggest advertisers, despite having the chance to model responsible conduct.
Mr Franssen called this a lost opportunity, saying the government created much of the backlash it now faces.
Unclear Future
In June 2025, the Dutch coalition government collapsed after Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom withdrew support. A snap election is scheduled for October 29, adding uncertainty to the policy direction.
Legal figures such as Teun Struycken are known for firm views. His New Social Contract Party has previously suggested removing certain regulated activities altogether.
Still, experts such as Mr De Graaff believe that allowing space for flexibility and invention is key. If conditions are too limiting, there is little room to create new ideas or attract long-term growth.
Casino Market's professionals continually monitor the situation in the global gambling industry. Contact our team to obtain a licence in a stable jurisdiction and receive assistance in starting an iGaming platform.
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