# Netherlands and Belgium online gambling market trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-online-gambling-regulation-and-market-trends > Updated: 2026-09-08T04:10:00.000Z. Sources: 102. Developments: 6. The online gambling market in the Netherlands continues to evolve following the 2021 legalization of remote gaming, with the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) maintaining strict oversight. While industry trends previously showed a massive shift toward mobile gaming and live dealer games, recent data indicates a shift in participation levels. As of August 2026, gambling participation among Dutch citizens aged 16 and older has returned to 2024 levels at approximately 66%, down from 69% in 2025. While lotteries remain the most popular activity at 54%, online gambling participation has declined to 9%, though it remains prevalent among young adults aged 18 to 34. Despite the regulatory framework, problematic behavior is rising; the proportion of players exhibiting light problematic gambling behavior increased from 7% in 2025 to 11% in 2026, with 18% of online gamblers categorized as moderate or high-risk. Furthermore, 7% of players use unlicensed websites, and 26% are unsure of their provider’s legal status. Market dynamics are increasingly shaped by a preference for foreign online casinos. As of September 2026, Dutch players are opting for international providers to access more extensive game selections, higher payout percentages, more attractive bonuses, and greater flexibility in betting and payments. In response to these trends, Dutch lawmakers have reached a political agreement to strengthen enforcement against the illegal market, noting that less than 50% of gamblers have transitioned to regulated services. Justice State Secretary KT van Bruggen confirmed the government is developing legislation for DNS blocking of illegal websites, with public consultations expected in early 2027. Proposed measures include granting the KSA greater authority to target infrastructure such as payment providers and social media platforms. Additionally, politicians are considering raising the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 to mitigate risks associated with high-risk products like online slot games. ## Claims - Dutch players are increasingly choosing foreign online casinos over domestic platforms. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Foreign casinos offer more diverse game selections than Dutch platforms. (corroborated by 2 sources) - International providers offer more attractive bonuses and promotions. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Foreign platforms provide faster money transfers and more varied payment options. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The trend persists despite the 2021 Remote Gambling Act in the Netherlands. (single source) - The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) supervises the sector to ensure fairness and safety. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Netherlands moves to crack down on illegal online gambling Dutch lawmakers are seeking to crack down on illegal gambling through DNS website blocking, increased regulatory powers for the KSA, and potential increases to the legal gambling age. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-moves-to-crack-down-on-illegal-online-gambling ### 2026-09-02: Dutch players increasingly favor international online casinos Dutch gamblers are increasingly turning to international online casinos to access wider game selections, better bonuses, and more flexible terms compared to domestic platforms. 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-gamblers-increasingly-choose-foreign-online-casinos ### 2026-08-25: Netherlands gambling participation returns to 2024 levels Gambling participation in the Netherlands has leveled off at 66%, according to new data. While online gambling is declining among the general population, it remains popular among young adults. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-gambling-participation-returns-to-2024-levels ### 2026-08-20: Netherlands announces new online gambling regulations The Dutch government announced new regulations for online gambling, including a ban on advertising and bonuses, and plans for unified spending limits and potential license reductions. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/online-casino-bonuses-and-seasonal-campaign-regulations ### 2026-08-14: Netherlands online gambling market expands under regulation Since the 2021 legalization, the Dutch online gambling market has seen rapid growth, driven by mobile gaming and live dealer trends, while increasing focus on KSA regulation and responsible gaming. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/online-casino-platforms-and-roulette-gaming-strategies ### 2026-08-10: Dutch court upholds gambling restrictions on lottery online games A Dutch court upheld a ruling against the Nationale Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij over unlicensed online games, while five major operators have secured new gambling licenses through 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-court-upholds-gambling-restrictions-on-lottery-online-games --- Cite as: Netherlands and Belgium online gambling market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-online-gambling-regulation-and-market-trends