Netherlands Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21

Is the Netherlands tightening its grip on online gambling? State Secretary Teun Struycken has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at curbing problem gambling and illegal operators. The government is considering raising the minimum gambling age for high-risk games to 21, introducing player spending limits across multiple platforms, and expanding Kansspelautoriteit’s (KSA) powers to block illegal gambling sites. These changes could reshape the Dutch gambling industry, but will they reduce addiction or push players toward unlicensed operators?

Netherlands Plans Stricter Gambling Rules: Higher Age Limit, Player Limits, and Tougher Enforcement

Key Points:

1. Dutch Government Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21

   • High-risk gambling activities, including online slots and live betting, may soon have a minimum age limit of 21.
   • The policy aims to reduce problem gambling rates among young adults.

2. New Gambling Limits to Prevent Excessive Spending

   • A universal gambling limit will be introduced to prevent players from exceeding limits across multiple platforms.
   • Players must prove no financial risk before exceeding these limits.

3. Regulator Gains More Power to Tackle Illegal Operators

   • The KSA will be authorized to block illegal gambling sites and work with banks and ISPs to restrict unlicensed operators.
   • Licenses of legal operators can be suspended if they fail to meet regulatory standards.

Netherlands Moves Toward Stricter Gambling Regulations

The Dutch government is preparing to introduce major gambling reforms aimed at reducing gambling-related harm and cracking down on illegal operators. These new measures—outlined in a letter to the Tweede Kamer by State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken—include:

1. Raising the minimum age for high-risk gambling activities to 21.
2. Introducing overarching gambling limits to curb excessive spending.
3. Expanding regulatory powers to combat illegal online gambling.

These reforms reflect growing concerns that current gambling regulations are insufficient in protecting vulnerable players, particularly young adults engaging in high-risk gambling activities.

Higher Age Limits for High-Risk Gambling

Since the legalization of online gambling in 2021, research shows that more young adults are engaging in high-risk gambling, with some requiring addiction treatment.

To address this, the Dutch government proposes raising the minimum age for high-risk gambling from 18 to 21. This would affect certain online casino games, live sports betting, and other high-intensity gambling activities.

State Secretary Struycken stated:
“Far too many groups are playing far too risky games, and far too many have already ended up in addiction care.”

While responsible gambling advocates support the change, industry groups warn it may push younger players toward unlicensed sites.

New Player Limits to Curb Excessive Gambling

The government also plans to introduce a universal gambling limit. Currently, players can set limits on individual platforms but can continue gambling elsewhere once they reach their cap.

• The new system would apply a single spending limit across all licensed operators.
• Players would only be allowed to exceed limits if they prove it won’t impact their financial stability.

According to research from the Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC), setting personalized gambling limits can reduce spending but does not always change overall gambling behavior.

Regulator to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is set to gain expanded enforcement powers to tackle illegal gambling operators, including:

• Blocking unlicensed gambling websites at the ISP level.
• Collaborating with banks to prevent payments to illegal operators.
• Suspending licenses of regulated operators that fail to meet compliance standards.

Industry experts estimate that 50% of gambling activity in the Netherlands already takes place illegally, making enforcement a top priority.

Eric Konings, Director of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), warned:
“Tighter restrictions may drive younger players toward black-market sites, making enforcement against unlicensed operators even more crucial.”

Potential Impact on the Dutch Gambling Industry

If these reforms are implemented, they will:

1. Restrict access for younger players, reducing their exposure to high-risk gambling.
2. Ensure players have better financial protections through overarching spending limits.
3. Strengthen regulatory enforcement, making it harder for illegal operators to target Dutch players.

However, concerns remain that excessive regulation could drive players away from licensed operators, reducing tax revenues and player protections.

What’s Next for Dutch Gambling Regulation?

The Dutch government plans to present a formal legislative proposal by early next year. If passed, these reforms will:

• Redefine the legal gambling age for high-risk games.
• Introduce the most restrictive player limits yet seen in the Netherlands.
• Enhance the KSA’s ability to block illegal operators.

Industry stakeholders, responsible gambling advocates, and regulators will closely watch the impact of these measures. Will they successfully curb gambling harm, or will they push more players into the unregulated market?

A Pivotal Moment for Dutch Gambling

The Netherlands is at a crossroads in its gambling policy. While the proposed regulations aim to protect players, they also raise concerns about market displacement.

The challenge for lawmakers will be balancing consumer protection with ensuring a competitive, regulated market. With a formal proposal expected next year, the question remains: Will these measures make Dutch gambling safer, or will they drive players underground?