KSA Issues New Guidance on Mandatory Means Tests for Deposits

The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has released new guidance on mandatory means tests for large player deposits.

These affordability checks, enforced since October 2024, ensure that players do not gamble beyond their financial means.

Operators must now review pay slips and tax returns while excluding factors like homeownership, loans, or tax refunds.

Learn how the updated guidelines impact gambling operators and enhance financial oversight in the Dutch iGaming market.

KSA Updates Guidance on Mandatory Means Tests for Dutch Gambling Operators

3 Key Points:

1. KSA Reinforces Means Test Compliance: Dutch operators must verify financial capacity for players depositing over €300 (ages 18–24) or €700 (ages 24+).
2. Strict Income Verification Rules: Means tests must only consider pay slips and tax returns, excluding assets, tax refunds, or loans.
3. Stronger Anti-Money Laundering Measures: KSA urges operators to remain vigilant about large deposits and financial crime risks.

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued updated guidance on mandatory means tests, reinforcing player affordability checks across licensed gambling platforms.

Since October 1, 2024, operators have been required to conduct means tests for large deposits, ensuring players gamble responsibly without financial harm.

The policy enforces deposit verification for:

• Players aged 18–24: Deposits exceeding €300 ($311) require a means test.
• Players aged 24 and older: Deposits above €700 ($726) must be validated.

These tests help operators determine whether players can afford their gambling activities based on concrete financial evidence.

Income Verification: Stricter Compliance Measures for Operators

KSA has outlined strict criteria for affordability assessments, mandating that operators only consider specific financial documents when conducting means tests.

Accepted Income Verification:

✅ Pay slips
✅ Tax returns

Excluded Factors:

❌ Homeownership status
❌ Tax refunds
❌ Loans and external financial assets

By excluding assets and tax refunds, KSA ensures a more accurate assessment of disposable income, preventing false affordability justifications.

According to KSA’s latest directive, these updates aim to increase transparency and prevent players from misrepresenting financial stability.

Focus on Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Prevention

Beyond affordability, KSA has reaffirmed the importance of anti-money laundering (AML) measures, warning operators to:

• Monitor large deposits for suspicious activity
• Report any irregular financial transactions
• Remain compliant with the Netherlands’ strict AML policies

The guidance follows a recent study on markers of risky gambling behavior, highlighting the role of deposit patterns in detecting potential gambling harm.

This update also comes after KSA’s new fine policy for 2025, reinforcing tougher penalties for non-compliant operators.

What’s Next? KSA’s Supervisory Agenda for 2025

KSA’s regulatory focus will extend beyond means tests, with its Supervisory Agenda 2025 addressing:

• Underage gambling prevention
• Stricter advertising compliance
• Tighter enforcement of affordability and AML regulations

Operators failing to comply with these new financial safeguards could face severe fines or license restrictions.

Stricter Oversight for Dutch Gambling Market

The KSA’s updated means test guidance strengthens financial oversight in the Netherlands’ regulated gambling industry, protecting players from financial harm and reducing AML risks.

With tighter affordability checks, stricter compliance rules, and increased enforcement, Dutch operators must prioritize transparency and responsible gambling practices or risk regulatory penalties.

As KSA continues refining its gambling regulations, operators must stay ahead of compliance measures to ensure long-term market stability.