Netherlands Moves to Toughen Action Against Illegal Online Gambling
Netherlands.- 8 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Dutch parliament has shown broad political agreement on the need to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling operators, while the government has confirmed ongoing discussions with Meta and Google over advertisements promoting unauthorised platforms.
The debate also covered new blocking powers, stronger authority for the national regulator and possible changes to the legal gambling age.
Cross-Party Agreement on Illegal Market
During a three-hour Gambling Committee debate in the House of Representatives, politicians from across the political spectrum agreed that stronger action should be taken against the black market.
The discussion covered research reports, sector data and the government’s assessment of gambling-related risks.
One of the key concerns was the decline in channelisation towards the regulated market to below 50%.
Faster Website Blocking
MPs called for mechanisms allowing authorities to block illegal gambling websites more rapidly.
Some politicians compared the required powers with tools available to address websites carrying terrorism-related or child-abuse material.
The objective is to reduce the time unauthorised operators can continue reaching Dutch customers.
Stronger Powers for KSA
Lawmakers also called for greater authority for Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling regulator.
Proposals included tougher action against parties facilitating illegal gambling, including:
- Payment providers.
- Social-media platforms.
- Affiliates.
- Technology intermediaries.
The approach would target not only illegal operators themselves but also the infrastructure supporting their activity.
Government Preparing DNS Blocking
Justice State Secretary KT van Bruggen confirmed that the cabinet is developing legislation to introduce DNS blocking for illegal gambling websites.
A consultation on the proposal is expected in early 2027.
The measure would provide authorities with an additional tool to restrict Dutch players’ access to unlicensed platforms.
Talks with Meta and Google
Advertising for illegal gambling sites across digital platforms was another major issue raised during the debate.
Van Bruggen confirmed that both Meta and Google are open to discussions with the government.
The cabinet intends to maintain dialogue with the two technology companies in an effort to improve responses to advertising from unauthorised gambling operators.
Six-Month Reporting
The government will also receive reports every six months on illegal gambling advertising appearing across these platforms.
The initiative is intended to provide greater visibility into the scale of the issue and assess whether measures are successfully reducing promotion of unlicensed operators.
European Dimension
Van Bruggen said the issue should not be addressed solely at national level.
She argued that action should also be taken at EU level through provisions within the Digital Services Act.
This could increase accountability for large online platforms in relation to illegal gambling advertisements and content.
Calls for Tougher Approach
Representatives from the VVD urged the government to take a harder line with major technology platforms.
The debate reflects increasing political pressure for online platforms and digital service providers to participate more actively in preventing illegal gambling promotion.
Gambling Age Debate Returns
The committee also revisited proposals to raise the legal gambling age in the Netherlands.
The current minimum age is 18.
Some politicians support increasing it to 21, particularly for products regarded as presenting higher levels of risk.
Risk of Black-Market Migration
Van Bruggen warned that further research is required to establish whether a higher minimum age could produce unintended consequences.
Excluding customers aged between 18 and 20 from the licensed sector could push some towards unregulated operators.
The government therefore considers stronger black-market enforcement a priority before introducing further access restrictions.
Possible Future Reform
The state secretary said the age-limit issue will continue to feature in future progress reports.
Any decision is likely to depend partly on developments within the illegal market and the authorities’ ability to restrict access to unauthorised operators.
Calls to Reverse Legalisation
SGP politician Diederik van Dijk went further by calling for a complete reversal of the Netherlands’ 2021 online gambling legalisation.
He also supported a total ban on gambling advertising, including for lotteries and land-based casinos.
His proposal represented one of the most restrictive positions raised during the debate.
Pressure on Licensed Market
Since online gambling was legalised, the Dutch market has undergone significant regulatory change.
Licensed operators have faced tighter player restrictions and increased taxation in recent years.
Declining channelisation has therefore become a central concern for both the sector and policymakers.
Player Protection
Much of the parliamentary debate focused on tighter supervision and stronger safeguards.
However, the government believes new protection measures must also account for the risk that additional restrictions could further reduce channelisation towards licensed operators.
The policy challenge is to increase consumer protection without encouraging migration towards illegal alternatives.
Black Market Comes First
Van Bruggen made clear that the immediate priority will be to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.
Once the black market is considered to be under greater control, the government can revisit measures such as increasing the minimum gambling age.
Industry Context
The Netherlands has become one of the European markets where the relationship between strict regulation and channelisation is receiving particularly close attention.
The growth of offshore operators, digital advertising and easy access to foreign platforms is forcing regulators to complement restrictions on licensed companies with more effective measures against illegal supply.
Cooperation with technology platforms and payment providers is likely to become an increasingly important part of that strategy.
Next Steps or Impact
The government will continue developing its DNS-blocking legislation, with consultation expected in early 2027.
At the same time, it will maintain dialogue with Meta and Google and receive six-monthly reports on illegal gambling advertising appearing on their platforms.
The effectiveness of these measures will be central to determining whether the Netherlands can improve channelisation before considering further restrictions such as raising the legal gambling age.
Editó: @fonta
