Netherlands announces new online gambling regulations

The Dutch government has announced a significant regulatory overhaul for the online gambling market. State Secretary Van Bruggen of Justice and Security introduced a package of measures that includes a near-total ban on advertising for online games of chance and a prohibition on offering bonuses, such as free bets for new accounts.

Additionally, the government is working toward implementing an overarching spending limit that applies across all license holders, replacing the current system of individual limits per provider. There is also an ongoing investigation into whether the current number of license holders, which stands at thirty, should be reduced.

These changes coincide with a major licensing cycle. The initial licenses issued in September 2021 are set to expire on October 1, 2026. Providers seeking renewal must comply with updated policy rules from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) effective January 1, 2026. These new regulations will introduce stricter obligations for all applicants during the renewal process.