Dutch Gaming Authority KSA announces fresh strategy for secure gambling
The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) has unveiled its new Action Plan for Safe Gambling, aimed at enhancing player protection and combating problematic gambling, particularly in the realm of illegal online gambling.
The Action Plan, published on February 26, 2024, focuses on four key areas: monitoring care obligations and addiction prevention, strengthening control of illegal online offers, investigating illegal online activities and gambling offers, and physical illegal gambling enforcement.
The KSA has been working in tandem with the Dutch government for several years to increase player protection. One of the primary objectives is to achieve better protection of players from risky or problematic gambling through monitoring care obligations and addiction prevention.
To achieve this, the KSA plans to strengthen control of illegal online offers, with a goal of convincing at least 90 percent of all players to use legal gambling providers. This will be implemented through supporting partners, independent investigations, and interventions in the physical realm.
Since July 1, 2023, gambling advertising has been banned on TV, radio, and in print in the Netherlands. The KSA has also implemented one aspect of its action plan: the ban on cashback bonuses. Further violations may result in serious consequences for providers offering such bonuses.
The Action Plan for Safe Gambling was edited by Angela Burke and written by Miriam Prellwitz. The document, which can be accessed through a link provided in Dutch, was published on February 28, 2024, and was last updated on July 23, 2025.
The KSA actively investigates and sanctions illegal operators. For example, they recently warned online casinos ZEbet and Starcasino after player complaints about withdrawal issues and prohibited terms and conditions; both operators corrected the issues promptly.
To combat illegal online gambling, the KSA monitors compliance with the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft). A recent investigation found that some licensed operators violated anti-money laundering obligations, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure stricter adherence.
The KSA aims to prevent any unlicensed gambling, including illegal online providers, betting shops, or gaming halls that do not comply with the applicable laws. The majority of gambling providers are operating illegally and will continue to be targeted by the KSA.
The proposal for a complete gambling advertising ban is hotly debated in parliament. The gambling industry questions the effectiveness of the planned advertising ban and fears potential damage to the legal gambling sector.
In the future, the KSA, in cooperation with municipalities, the police, and other authorities, will pursue physical illegal gambling in the Netherlands more vigorously. The KSA continues to work towards creating a safer gambling environment for all Dutch citizens.
[1] Kansspelautoriteit (2024). Action Plan for Safe Gambling. Retrieved from https://www.kansspelautoriteit.nl/actieplan-veilig-gamen
[2] De Volkskrant (2024). Kansspelautoriteit stelt nieuwe actieplan voor veilig gamen. Retrieved from https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/kansspelautoriteit-stelt-nieuwe-actieplan-voor-veilig-gamen-a7578475
[3] NOS (2024). Kansspelautoriteit waarschuwt online casino's ZEbet en Starcasino. Retrieved from https://nos.nl/artikel/2405956-kansspelautoriteit-waarschuwt-online-casino-s-zebet-en-starcasino.html
[4] Kansspelautoriteit (2025). Wwft-onderzoek KSA en FIOD. Retrieved from https://www.kansspelautoriteit.nl/nieuws/wwft-onderzoek-ksa-en-fiod
[5] Kansspelautoriteit (2025). Actieplan veilig gamen. Retrieved from https://www.kansspelautoriteit.nl/actieplan-veilig-gamen
- The Dutch gambling market may witness a shift as the Kansspelautoriteit aims to convince 90% of players to use legal gambling providers, including online casinos in Germany and other countries, as part of its Action Plan for Safe Gambling.
- The KSA's efforts to combat illegal gambling extend beyond online casinos; they also monitor compliance with the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft), including in the banking-and-insurance and casino-and-gambling industries.
