Netherlands Gambling Regulations 2025: New Rules & Tax Hikes

Overview of iGaming Regulations in the Netherlands (2025)

The Netherlands has significantly reformed its gambling regulations in 2025, introducing stricter measures to protect players and ensure fair play. These changes impact both players and operators, aiming to create a safer gambling environment. In this article we will cover the current regulation status, recent updates, tax information, and significant considerations for both operators and players. Use the table of contents to jump around or scroll through to read the full summary.

Table of Contents

• A Brief History of Gambling Regulation in the Netherlands
• Recent Regulatory Updates in 2025
• Gambling Tax Rates in the Netherlands
• Implications for Players
• Implications for Operators
• The Black Market: Emergence and Risks
• FAQs About Dutch iGaming Regulations

A Brief History of Gambling Regulation in the Netherlands

Online gambling was legalized in the Netherlands with the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) in 2021. This act allowed licensed operators to offer online betting services, marking a significant shift from previous prohibitions. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is the Dutch Gambling Authority responsible for overseeing gambling activities in the Netherlands. Established in 2012, the KSA ensures compliance with gambling laws and protects consumers from gambling-related harms. On October 1, 2021, the first ten licenses were granted to operators, including:

• TOTO Online B.V.
• Holland Casino N.V.
• Bet365
• Tombola International Malta Plc
• NSUS Malta Limited
• Play North Limited
• Bingoal Nederland B.V.
• Betent B.V.
• LiveScore Malta Limited
• FPO Nederland B.V.

These initial licensees were a mix of domestic and international operators, with some being well-established land-based casinos transitioning into the online space, and others being new entrants to the Dutch market.

Expansion of Licensed Operators

The number of licensed operators has grown steadily since the market’s opening. By May 2024, there were 28 licensed online casinos in the Netherlands, with 25 actively operating. The KSA continues to process applications, and the market is expected to accommodate up to 50 licensed operators in the future.

Regulatory Framework and Licensing Types

Under the KOA, the KSA offers a single type of license that covers multiple forms of online gambling, including:

1. Casino games against the house (e.g., blackjack, roulette)
2. Casino games where players compete against each other (e.g., poker)
3. Sports betting (on events during or outcomes of sporting contests)
4. Horse racing and harness racing betting

Operators can apply for licenses covering one or more of these categories, depending on their business models and offerings.

Recent Regulatory Updates in 2025

In response to increasing concerns about gambling addiction and illegal betting, the Dutch government has implemented several key regulatory updates:

• Increased Minimum Age: The minimum age for participating in high-risk gambling activities has been raised from 18 to 21.
• Stricter Advertising Rules: A “prohibited unless permitted” model has been adopted, significantly limiting gambling advertisements.
• Central Deposit Limits: An overarching deposit limit has been introduced, requiring financial capacity assessments for higher deposits.
• Enhanced Enforcement Powers: The KSA now has greater authority to block illegal gambling websites and take action against unlicensed operators.

Gambling Tax Rates in the Netherlands

The Dutch government has increased gambling taxes in two phases:

• 2025: Tax rate increased from 30.5% to 34.2% of gross gaming revenue (GGR).
• 2026: Further increase to 37.8% of GGR.

These tax hikes aim to generate additional revenue but have raised concerns about their impact on the legal gambling market.

Taxation of Bonuses

In the Netherlands, bonuses offered by gambling operators are considered part of the GGR and are thus subject to the gambling tax. This means that when an operator provides a bonus to a player, the value of that bonus is included in the total revenue on which the operator is taxed.

This taxation approach increases the cost of offering bonuses, leading many operators to reevaluate their promotional strategies. Some may reduce the frequency or value of bonuses, while others might shift focus to alternative marketing methods. The increased tax burden on bonuses could also impact the competitiveness of legal Dutch betting sites compared to unregulated platforms that do not face such taxes.

Implications for Players

As the Netherlands tightens its gambling regulations in 2025, players on legal Dutch betting sites are facing a more controlled and safer online gambling environment. The new rules are designed to minimize gambling harm, especially among young and vulnerable users, while still allowing access to regulated entertainment.

1. Deposit and Spending Limits

To prevent financial harm from excessive gambling, the KSA has introduced strict deposit controls:

• Default Monthly Limits: Players aged 24 and older are limited to €700 in monthly deposits across all legal betting sites in the Netherlands. For players aged 18–24, the limit is reduced to €300.
• Raising the Limit: Players can request to raise these limits, but only after providing verifiable financial information such as income statements or bank records. They must also participate in a mandatory risk conversation with the operator.
• Operator Duty of Care: If a player reaches or attempts to exceed their limit, operators are required to intervene and assess their gambling behavior.

2. Enhanced KYC (Know Your Customer) Procedures

Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols are more rigorous in 2025 to ensure player identity and financial status are verified early in the registration process:

• Immediate Verification: Players must submit ID documents, proof of address, and payment method verification before they can begin gambling.
• No Anonymity: Anonymous accounts or temporary access without full KYC are no longer permitted.
• Age Restrictions: High-risk games are now restricted to individuals 21 years and older, even though the legal gambling age remains 18 for other forms.

3. In-Game Notifications and Time Tracking

To promote healthy gambling behavior, licensed Netherlands betting sites must include:

• Session Time Alerts: Players receive automatic pop-ups every 30 minutes, reminding them how long they’ve been playing.
• Reality Checks: Players are shown real-time updates on their spending and wins/losses during each session.
• Automatic Logouts: If time or deposit limits are reached, players are automatically logged out and cannot continue gambling without reassessment.

4. Welcome Bonuses and Promotions

New regulations also impact bonuses and promotional incentives:

• Age-Based Restrictions: Players under the age of 24 are not eligible for bonuses, regardless of deposit activity.
• One-Time Welcome Bonuses: Operators are allowed to offer one welcome bonus per player account, with restrictions on wagering conditions.
• Transparency Required: All bonus terms (e.g., wagering requirements, expiration, game eligibility) must be clearly stated and easy to understand. Hidden terms are prohibited.

5. Game Access and Restrictions

To reduce the risk of addiction, the following measures apply to game accessibility:

• Restricted Access to Certain Games: High-risk casino games (like online slots and fast-paced live games) are now restricted for young adults (under 21) or heavily regulated through session limits.
• Demo Mode Limitations: Demo versions of games are no longer freely available. Players must verify their age and identity before accessing free-play or practice modes to avoid misleading younger users.
• No Auto-Spin or Turbo Play: Fast-play features have been disabled to reduce compulsive gambling behavior.

6. Inclusion in CRUKS (Exclusion Register)

• Self-Exclusion Tools: Players can voluntarily register in CRUKS, the Central Register of Excluded Players, to block themselves from all Dutch gambling sites for a specified period.
• Mandatory Registration by Operators: If a player exhibits signs of problem gambling, operators may submit their details to CRUKS, enforcing temporary or permanent exclusion.

7. Data Privacy and Account Security

• Strict Data Handling Rules: Licensed Dutch betting sites must comply with GDPR and provide full transparency on how player data is used, stored, and protected.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many platforms now require 2FA to protect against account hijacking and fraud.

Implications for Operators

Licensed betting sites in the Netherlands must now navigate an increasingly complex and tightly regulated environment. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has introduced several new obligations that significantly impact the way licensed betting sites in the Netherlands operate.

1. Enhanced Duty of Care

Operators are under stricter obligations to detect and act upon signs of problematic gambling behavior early. Key updates include:

• Mandatory Risk Monitoring Systems: Operators must implement automated systems that track gambling behavior and flag potential risks.
• Direct Player Engagement: When unusual behavior is detected, operators are obliged to engage directly with players through chat, calls, or emails.
• Use of External Experts: Licensed operators must consult or collaborate with independent professionals (e.g., psychologists or addiction specialists) when designing their responsible gambling policies.
• Tailored Interventions: Operators must create personalized intervention strategies, especially for younger players (18–24), who are considered more vulnerable.

2. Advertising Restrictions

In 2025, Dutch gambling regulations have adopted a “prohibited unless permitted” approach to gambling marketing. The aim is to reduce the visibility and appeal of gambling, especially to risk groups such as minors and problem gamblers. This includes:

• Ban on Untargeted Ads: TV, radio, print, and outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards) are heavily restricted or banned.
• Strict Online Advertising Rules: Online marketing must be explicitly targeted to individuals over 24 years old and may only appear on platforms where more than 95% of users are verified adults.
• Prohibited Endorsements: The use of celebrities, influencers, or athletes in gambling promotions is no longer permitted.
• Affiliate Regulation: Affiliates promoting Netherlands betting sites must comply with the same advertising rules and face penalties for violations.

3. Increased Enforcement and Penalties

The KSA now wields broader powers to enforce Dutch gambling regulations:

• License Suspension Without Warning: If a licensee breaches compliance rules, the KSA can immediately suspend operations without prior notice or lengthy appeals.
• Third-Party Accountability: Not only operators, but also payment service providers, marketing agencies, and IT vendors can face penalties if found to be supporting unlicensed or illegal betting platforms.
• Expanded Investigative Authority: The KSA can conduct undercover investigations and use mystery shopping techniques to identify violations.
• Higher Administrative Fines: Penalties for non-compliance have been raised significantly. Operators face fines of up to €1 million or 10% of annual revenue, whichever is higher.

4. Technical and Reporting Compliance

Operators must also meet advanced technical and reporting standards:

• Data Retention Requirements: Detailed records of player activity, deposits, interactions, and interventions must be maintained and shared with the KSA upon request.
• Real-Time Monitoring Integration: Operators are required to integrate their platforms with the Cruks (Central Register of Excluded Players) and the CDB (Control Database), allowing real-time oversight.
• Monthly Reporting Obligations: Comprehensive monthly reports detailing marketing activity, player behavior, and intervention outcomes must be submitted to the regulator.

5. Bonus and Promotion Restrictions

• Bonus Limits: Bonuses must be transparent, non-deceptive, and cannot be tailored to encourage riskier gambling behaviors.
• Age Restrictions on Promotions: No bonuses may be offered to players under the age of 24.
• Tax Implications: As bonuses are taxed under GGR, many operators are reassessing their promotional budgets to maintain profitability.

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Together, these measures are transforming the landscape for legal betting sites in the Netherlands, requiring a deep commitment to compliance, ethical conduct, and player protection. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to severe financial and reputational consequences.

The Black Market: Emergence and Risks

Despite regulatory efforts, the black market for online gambling remains a concern:

• Market Share: Approximately 50% of online gambling in the Netherlands is conducted through illegal providers.
• Risks for Players: Engaging with unlicensed operators exposes players to unfair practices, lack of consumer protection, and potential financial losses.
• Regulatory Response: The KSA is intensifying efforts to combat illegal gambling, including blocking websites and collaborating with payment service providers.

FAQs About Dutch iGaming Regulations