In the first half of 2025, the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) reported a decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the online gaming sector, which reached €600 million, a 16% decrease compared to the final six months of 2024. This decline occurs despite a marked increase in player accounts, suggesting a complex scenario for the iGaming industry in the Netherlands.
Online casinos maintained their position as the primary choice for consumers, followed by sports betting, peer-to-peer casino games, and horse race betting. The KSA attributed part of the revenue decline to recently implemented responsible gambling rules, which included new deposit limits for players. These changes are intended to enhance player protection but have also influenced how consumers engage with online gambling services.
A significant rise in the number of active online accounts, which averaged 1.29 million per month in the first half of the year, up from 1.18 million in the latter half of 2024, indicates an increased interest in online gambling. Of these accounts, 7.1% were new, hinting at a growing player base. However, this increase in accounts may not directly translate to increased revenue due to players spreading their activity across multiple operators. This strategy allows them to bypass deposit limits imposed by each operator, thereby maintaining or increasing their gambling activity across different platforms.
Furthermore, the KSA expressed significant concern over illegal iGaming activities. While the channelisation rate—representing the share of players using licensed operators—remained stable at roughly 94%, the revenue share for legal sites fell to 49% by the end of H1, down from 51% in the second half of 2024. The shift towards unlicensed sites is attributed to the evasion of stringent player protection rules imposed on legal operators, allowing consumers to gamble without restrictions.
The regulator finds this trend particularly troubling as it compromises player safety, a primary objective of the responsible gambling regulations. The lack of legal oversight in the illegal sector leaves players vulnerable to predatory practices. KSA’s statement highlighted the increased risks faced by users of illegal sites due to the absence of protective measures comparable to those in licensed environments.
The demographic analysis of player accounts revealed that individuals aged 18 to 24 represented 23% of all accounts, which is disproportionately high given that this age group comprises only 9.3% of the Dutch adult population. Despite their prevalence, younger players tend to incur lower losses, averaging €37 compared to the €78 average loss for older players. This statistic suggests that while young adults are more engaged in online gambling, they gamble more conservatively compared to their older counterparts.
In terms of legal gambling participation, approximately 839,000 players were active with licensed providers during the first half of 2025, representing 5.7% of the adult population, up from 5.4% recorded in the latter half of the previous year. This slight increase indicates a growing market for legal iGaming despite the draw of unregulated platforms.
In contrast to KSA’s cautionary stance, some industry analysts argue that the rise in player accounts is a positive indicator of market dynamism. The increasing number of participants, combined with stringent regulations, suggests an evolving market that, while currently facing challenges, may stabilize as players adapt to the new regulatory landscape.
These experts suggest that the observed trends may reflect short-term adjustments as players acclimate to updated regulatory frameworks. They predict that the balancing act between regulation and market freedom could eventually lead to a more sustainable and player-safe industry environment. The introduction of new products and innovations tailored to comply with regulations might also invigorate the market, potentially reversing the current dip in GGR.
As the Dutch iGaming market navigates this transitional period, the KSA remains committed to monitoring and adjusting its strategies to ensure that legal operators can compete effectively while safeguarding players. The regulator’s vigilant approach signals a commitment to fostering a balanced ecosystem that prioritizes player welfare without stifling industry growth.
The divergence in views on the implications of these findings highlights the complex nature of the iGaming landscape in the Netherlands. Whether the market can reconcile the need for robust player protections with the pursuit of growth will be crucial in determining its future trajectory. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders will need to adapt to maintain both regulatory compliance and competitive advantage in a rapidly changing environment.
Topics: Netherlands · Illegal Gambling · Sports Betting · Responsible Gambling · Financial Results · Online Casino
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