Key Moments:
- The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has published its Supervisory Agenda 2026, placing stronger emphasis on illegal gambling enforcement and player protection.
- From January 2026, the KSA will operate under a new structure with three directorates and a dedicated Player Protection department.
- Five core themes will steer regulatory efforts in 2026, including tighter AML controls, an enhanced duty of care, and stricter advertising rules.
Strategic Restructuring for Enhanced Supervision
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has unveiled its Supervisory Agenda 2026. Notably, the plan sharpens the regulator’s focus on illegal gambling and stronger player protection across the Dutch market. As the sector evolves rapidly, driven in part by new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the KSA aims to strengthen its oversight capabilities.
Therefore, from January 2026, the regulator will introduce three core directorates: Player Protection and Board Advisory, Licensing and Supervision, and Digitalisation, Analysis and Operations. In addition, a standalone Player Protection department has been created to underline this priority. Overall, these changes align with the Ministry’s updated vision, which places greater emphasis on harm prevention.
As a result, the Supervisory Agenda serves as a clear roadmap for enforcement, highlighting areas that demand closer attention due to elevated risk.
2026 Regulatory Focus Areas
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Illegal Gambling Suppression | Targeting unlicensed operators, safeguarding market integrity, and strengthening cooperation with partners to disrupt illegal activities. |
| Protection of Minors & Young Adults | Limiting gambling participation among minors and individuals aged 18–24 through research, prevention, and awareness initiatives. |
| Duty of Care | Requiring operators to actively monitor player behaviour, apply limits, and intervene promptly when risks emerge. |
| Enhanced Advertising Oversight | Tightening compliance with advertising rules, especially to reduce exposure among vulnerable groups and ban role models. |
| Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance | Maintaining risk-based AML supervision while preparing for new powers under the upcoming regulatory framework. |
Combatting Illegal Gambling Operations
Illegal gambling remains at the top of the KSA’s agenda for 2026. Accordingly, the regulator will continue its firm approach against unauthorized providers. This includes closer cooperation with payment services, hosting companies, social media platforms, and both domestic and international regulators.
At the same time, the KSA aims to ensure that at least 90 percent of Dutch players continue to use legal offerings. To support this goal, supervisory capacity will be expanded to dismantle illegal online infrastructures. Meanwhile, land-based enforcement will focus on tracking gambling machines, particularly after bankruptcies, to prevent diversion into illegal circuits.
Strengthening Safeguards for Minors and Young Adults
Another key priority for 2026 is reducing gambling participation among minors and young adults aged 18–24. The KSA has raised concerns about how easily minors can access gambling platforms, often via adult accounts. Moreover, illegal sites frequently lack proper age verification.
Consequently, ongoing research using control database data will examine young adults’ gambling behaviour at licensed operators. These insights may inform new measures in 2026. In parallel, public awareness campaigns will continue, including expanded Cruks-related initiatives and the launch of “Open over Gokken” in early 2026. This new platform will provide guidance on safe gambling and addiction support.
Bolstering Duty of Care and Advertising Standards
In 2026, supervision will increasingly concentrate on duty of care and advertising compliance. The KSA stresses that player safety and addiction prevention are non-negotiable. Therefore, operators are expected to strengthen protective measures and improve monitoring practices.
Additionally, advertising oversight will intensify. Enforcement efforts will focus on limiting exposure among vulnerable groups and addressing violations swiftly. Compliance with the ban on influencers and streamers in online gambling ads remains essential, alongside action against marketing by illegal operators.
Upping the Ante on Anti-Money Laundering Oversight
The fifth supervisory theme concerns compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft). Here, the KSA will apply a data-driven, risk-based approach to both online operators and Holland Casino. Key areas include customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and record keeping.
Finally, with new AML powers expected in 2026, the KSA will update its guidance accordingly. It will also closely monitor European developments, particularly the evolving role of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority.
- Author
Daniel Williams
