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Netherlands cracks down on illegal gambling with stricter 2026 regulations

From blocking rogue platforms to policing influencer ads, the KSA's 2026 crackdown reshapes Dutch gambling. Will operators keep up with the stricter rules?

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1 min read
The image shows a logo with the text "Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force" written on it,...
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Netherlands cracks down on illegal gambling with stricter 2026 regulations

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has outlined stricter measures for 2026, targeting illegal gambling and stronger player protection. The regulator will focus on enforcing advertising rules, safeguarding vulnerable groups, and improving compliance with anti-money laundering laws.

A key priority for the KSA in 2026 will be disrupting illegal gambling services. The authority plans to expand its enforcement capacity and work with partners to block access to unauthorised platforms for Dutch consumers. At the same time, it will monitor legal operators more closely, particularly online casinos, to ensure they meet their duty of care obligations.

Protecting minors and young adults remains central to the KSA's agenda. Stricter advertising controls will target influencers, streamers, and role models who promote gambling to underage audiences. The regulator will also use data from the Control Database to study underage gambling trends and the factors pushing young people toward betting. Financial oversight will tighten under the new plan. The KSA will scrutinise online providers' compliance with the *Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme* (Wwft), focusing on customer due diligence and suspicious transaction reporting. It will also watch how European regulators, including the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), enforce new AML rules. To help operators adapt, the KSA will release updated guidance on using AI and monitoring tools. These resources aim to improve risk detection and responsible gambling practices across the industry.

The KSA's 2026 agenda sets out clearer rules for advertising, stricter financial checks, and stronger protections for young people. Operators will face closer scrutiny of their compliance and player safety measures, while illegal services will see increased disruption efforts. The regulator's actions will shape gambling oversight in the Netherlands for the coming year.

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