Key points:
- The Dutch Government is considering raising the age limit for high-risk gambling to 21
- A new overarching gambling limit will be introduced to prevent players from exceeding their limits across multiple platforms
- The Gambling Authority will gain expanded powers to combat illegal operators, including blocking websites and suspending licences
State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken has announced plans to introduce a minimum age limit of 21 years for the riskiest forms of gambling in the Netherlands.
The proposal, outlined in a letter to the Tweede Kamer, is part of a broader effort to tighten gambling regulations following concerns about addiction and the effectiveness of existing laws.
Struycken intends to examine the potential consequences of the policy change and expects to present a formal legislative proposal by early next year.
In addition to the proposed age restriction, the Dutch Government is set to introduce mandatory overarching gambling limits.
This measure aims to prevent players from reaching their limit on one gambling platform and then continuing to play on another.
Players will only be allowed to exceed these limits if they can demonstrate that it will not negatively impact their financial situation.
The Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) will also be granted additional powers to combat illegal gambling. Under the new proposals, the regulator will be able to block websites, work with internet providers and banks to restrict access to unlicensed operators, and suspend licences of legal gambling providers when necessary.
Good to know: Since the legalisation of online gambling in 2021, research has indicated a growing number of young adults engaging in high-risk gambling, with many requiring addiction treatment
Struycken acknowledged that the initial regulatory framework had not worked as intended, stating that: "far too many groups are playing far too risky games, and far too many have already ended up in addiction care."
However, industry representatives, including the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), have warned that raising the age limit could push younger players toward illegal gambling sites.
NOGA Director Eric Konings emphasised the importance of prioritising enforcement against unlicensed operators, noting that the Gambling Authority estimates that half of gambling activity in the Netherlands already takes place illegally.
The Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC) has also advised the government on setting overarching gambling limits.
Their research suggests that while personalised gambling limits encourage lower spending, overall gambling behaviour remains unchanged.
