On October 1, the Dutch gambling industry convened at the headquarters of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in The Hague for an important briefing on the 2026 licence renewal framework. This meeting addressed the rules that online gambling operators in the Netherlands will need to follow to renew their licences.
In 2021, when the Dutch remote gambling market was officially opened, ten operators were granted licences for a five-year period, due for renewal in October 2026. With the renewal date approaching, concerns arose that the KSA might impose stricter conditions, potentially complicating the relicensing process. Fears of an exhaustive reset rather than a simple renewal loomed large among operators.
A key point of anxiety was the KSA’s emphasis on past behaviour. The KSA indicated that any past infractions would need to be accounted for during the reapplication process, with operators required to demonstrate how they have learned from past mistakes and plan to prevent future ones. Should explanations fall short, the KSA warned that licences could be denied or made conditional with additional restrictions.
Bjorn Fuchs, chairman of VNLOK, the Dutch iGaming trade body, noted the prevalence of rumours before the meeting. The industry feared punitive measures for past behaviour and the possibility of losing their licences. Concerns extended to the potential for new demands in areas such as advertising, addiction prevention, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.
However, post-meeting sentiments were more optimistic. Fuchs recounted a collective sigh of relief as it became clear that while the renewal process would entail more regulation, it wouldn’t be as draconian as some feared. He highlighted that operators with a clean record would need to navigate some procedural hoops, but many requirements could be met through declarations of compliance.
Justin Franssen, a regulatory lawyer at Franssen Tolboom, shared that while the KSA is introducing more comprehensive responsible gambling policies and civil judgment compliance, these changes are more of an expansion of existing frameworks rather than entirely new hurdles. The aim, Franssen noted, is to streamline the reapplication process, not to create unnecessary barriers.
The introduction of an exit plan requirement marks a significant shift. This new stipulation mandates that operators outline how they would responsibly exit the market, should their licence not be renewed or if they choose to leave mid-term. It ensures players’ interests are safeguarded during sudden market withdrawals, covering aspects like player balance handling and data retention compliance.
Additional changes include extending the breach-prevention module to existing licensees, requiring detailed protocols on proactive regulatory breach prevention. Some modules, particularly those concerning financial security and player fund provision, now allow for compliance through signed declarations, potentially reducing administrative burdens.
The Central Data Bank (CDB) module, however, has seen stricter requirements, necessitating detailed control plans and system conformity evidence. Advertising remains under tight scrutiny, reflecting ongoing political and public pressure regarding consumer protection.
The political landscape remains a significant pressure point for the Dutch gambling sector. Fuchs expressed that gambling lacks political allies in the Netherlands, often viewed unfavourably by Christian and socialist factions. These parties have historically advocated for tighter regulations or outright prohibition, leading to increased restrictions and reduced flexibility for legal operators.
A turning point emerged earlier in 2025. Acknowledging the growth of the unregulated market, Parliament and government discussions began to recognize the limitations of prohibition. National addiction advocate Arnt Schellekens, previously a proponent of banning online gambling, has since moderated his stance, acknowledging that prohibition could drive players to the unregulated market.
“Prohibition isn’t the answer; it will only push people to illegal options,” Schellekens admitted, marking a shift toward more pragmatic regulation. Yet, Fuchs points out that outright deregulation remains a political fantasy, unlikely even if opposing parties gain power.
Franssen cautions that new market entrants will face more obstacles than in 2021, but reassures that existing licence holders won’t encounter insurmountable demands. However, he warns of potential overarching deposit limits, which could severely impact operator revenues.
Overall, the Dutch market faces a challenging climate, with gambling remaining a morally contentious issue. The gaming tax, initially set at 29%, has risen to 34.2% and is projected to reach 37.8%. This financial pressure, coupled with social and political scrutiny, continues to shape the regulatory environment.
Fuchs sees hope in a shift toward fact-based regulation as awareness of the illegal market’s growth increases. He advocates for a balanced approach, warning against excessive restrictions that could drive players to illegal platforms.
Despite the challenges, operators remain optimistic that if the KSA implements a fair and transparent relicensing process, it could enhance the sector’s legitimacy and player trust, potentially curbing the influence of offshore operators in the long term.
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