Jun 09, 2026 | 7:49 am
The Dutch government has introduced a new five-year strategy designed to reduce gambling-related harm, outlining a broad range of reforms that could reshape both online and land-based gambling in the country. Among the most significant proposals is a near-complete ban on online gambling advertising, alongside tighter consumer protection measures and stronger enforcement against illegal operators.
The roadmap was published on Friday together with a letter from Secretary of State for Justice and Security Claudia van Bruggen. The documents detail a long-term approach focused on prevention, regulation, treatment access and market oversight.
“I have drawn up the multi-year agenda for protection against gambling damage to protect people. Preventing gambling damage requires a broad approach involving a long-term commitment to more preventive measures,” van Bruggen wrote.
“This sets out strategic goals for achieving a reduction in gambling loss in the Netherlands and the efforts required for this in the coming years. The principles and goals of the new vision on gambling, as well as the multi-year protection agenda, concern the entire gambling policy.”
Advertising Curbs and Product Restrictions Under Review
A major element of the strategy involves limiting exposure to gambling promotions. The government is considering a near-total prohibition on online gambling advertising, while still allowing limited exceptions that would enable consumers to identify legal operators.
The proposal follows earlier indications from the coalition government that stronger restrictions on gambling marketing were being considered. The latest agenda places advertising controls within a wider effort to reduce gambling-related harm.
Authorities are also evaluating whether certain gambling products or game features should face restrictions or outright bans. Particular attention is being given to offerings considered high risk or designed in ways that may encourage prolonged gambling sessions.
The government is examining the role of artificial intelligence within online gambling platforms as part of this review. In addition, officials are exploring whether reducing the number of available online gambling licences could provide additional safeguards for consumers.
Enforcement and Consumer Protection Measures
The strategy places considerable emphasis on combating illegal gambling. According to the government, stronger action is needed because unlicensed operators operate outside the country's consumer protection framework.
“My focus lies primarily on legislation to improve protection in online gambling, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young adults. A firm approach to the illegal supply and participation is necessary, because illegal gambling offers no protection and the risk of gambling-related harm is therefore much greater,” the secretary of state added.
Under the proposed reforms, the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) would receive expanded powers to pursue illegal operators. These powers could include closer cooperation with banks, payment providers, digital platforms, suppliers and international partners to disrupt illegal gambling networks and their supporting infrastructure.
The government also plans to introduce a central deposit limit for online gambling. Players who wish to exceed that threshold could face affordability assessments designed to evaluate whether higher spending levels are appropriate. Lower limits are expected for younger adults.
The proposed measures draw on findings from the KSA's April 2026 report, which indicated that safeguards introduced in October 2024, including deposit limits, contributed to a decline in problematic gambling behaviour.
Focus on Young Adults and Access to Support
Young adults and minors remain a key concern for policymakers. Earlier discussions included raising the minimum age for high-risk gambling products such as online slot games from 18 to 21.
That proposal will not move forward after concerns emerged that stricter age limits could unintentionally push younger consumers toward unregulated gambling platforms.
“A relatively large number of young adults gamble online, and there is a real risk that a far-reaching measure such as raising the age limit will push young adults towards illegal offerings,” she said.
Although the age increase has been abandoned, the government plans to strengthen age-verification procedures and develop prevention initiatives aimed at younger audiences. Media literacy programs are also being considered to help people better understand digital marketing techniques and algorithms that may encourage risky gambling behaviour.
The agenda also prioritizes improving access to treatment and support services. Officials want to reduce the stigma surrounding gambling addiction and create clearer pathways to care. Planned efforts include stronger coordination between addiction services, debt assistance programs, mental health providers and social support organizations.
Suicide prevention has been identified as a major clinical concern within the strategy. At the same time, policymakers are preparing new guidance that would clarify when gambling operators must intervene if customers display signs of harmful gambling activity. An independent expert panel will help advise the government on strengthening these responsibilities.
Further changes may affect Cruk, the Netherlands' national self-exclusion register. Authorities are exploring improvements to the system and considering whether its reach could eventually be expanded to include illegal gambling websites.
Top Poker casinos
300%
up to
$ 2000
$ 2000
New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. Min Deposit: $25. Redeemable 3x. Max Bet: $25. Get your 300% up to $2,000 each or 540 free spins on your first 3 deposits! On each of your first 3 deposits you can claim one of these bonuses: Receive a 300% bonus up to a $2,000 bonus; Deposit $50 or more for 60 Free Spins - $180 value, the max that you could win is $160; Deposit $75 or more for 90 Free Spins - $270 value, the max that you could win is $240; Deposit $100 or more for 120 Free Spins - $360 value, the max that you could win is $325; Deposit $150 or more for 180 Free Spins - $540 value, the max that you could win is $475.
250%
New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. Welcome Pack is valid for slots, table games and specialties on the first 3 deposits of $25+ (Neosurf $10+) and up to $1000; WG x35, max cash out x20. Get 250% on the first deposit, 200% on the second, and 150% on the third one. Get extra 50% for crypto deposits.
500%
up to
$ 2500
$ 2500
+ 150 Free Spins
New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. Minimum deposit: $25. Maximum Cashout: 10x Deposit. PLUS 150 Free Spins. 50 Free Spins for the next 3 days on these slot games: Day 1: 50 Free Spins: Mystic Wolf; Day 2: 50 Free Spins: Golden Gorilla; Day 3: 50 Free Spins: Five Times Wins.
Research and Long-Term Monitoring
The strategy highlights the need for better measurement of gambling-related harm. According to the agenda, there is currently no standardized tool capable of fully quantifying gambling harm across the population.
Research cited in the document found that 69% of Dutch residents aged 16 and older participated in at least one form of gambling during 2025. The study also reported that half of those aged 16 and 17 had gambled despite being below the legal gambling age.
To support future policymaking, the government plans to increase data sharing, expand research into the effectiveness of intervention measures and provide specialized training for professionals working in related fields.
Implementation of the five-year agenda will be overseen by the Ministry of Justice and Security in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the KSA. Funding for the initiative will come from the Addiction Prevention Fund, which is managed by the gambling regulator and will direct resources toward the strategy's priorities.
Source:
“Netherlands eyes near-total online ad ban in new gambling harm strategy “, igamingbusiness.com, June 15, 2026.