Dutch gambling split: Legal sites grow but lose money to illegal rivals
The Dutch gambling market is facing a sharp divide between legal and illegal operations. While nearly all players now use licensed sites, most of the money still flows to unregulated providers. New figures reveal a slowdown in the legal sector, raising concerns about player behaviour and enforcement. In the first half of 2025, 1.29 million gambling accounts were registered in the Netherlands, with 839,000 active players. Despite this growth, the legal market captures only 49% of total spending, while illegal operators take the rest. The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has described the legal sector as stagnant, with annual losses per player falling from €146 to €119.
The KSA also noted that stricter player-protection rules may be driving some gamblers to open multiple accounts. Many appear to be avoiding financial checks by spreading their activity across different platforms. Meanwhile, the authority is reviewing whether these measures are effectively balancing industry growth with player safety. Illegal gambling—defined as betting with unlicensed operators—remains dominant in financial terms. Even though 94% of players use legal sites, the bulk of money continues to be channeled offshore. The KSA has admitted that the legal market has so far failed to curb the influence of unregulated providers.
The KSA’s review of player-protection rules will shape the next steps for the gambling sector. With most spending still going offshore, the authority faces the challenge of reducing illegal activity while maintaining a stable legal market. The outcome will determine whether stricter regulations can shift spending patterns without pushing players toward unlicensed alternatives.
