The Dutch Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC) has announced it will conduct a study in late 2026 to assess whether the current structure of the regulated online gambling market remains appropriate.
The aim is to assess whether the current market setup aligns with the new gambling policy targets. The Dutch Government is planning stricter online gambling regulations, including a near-full ban on advertising and bonuses, as well as tighter oversight of licensed operators.
Furthermore, the Government is working on an overarching deposit limit for online gambling. Players who wish to increase their limits will need to demonstrate their financial capacity. To implement this, affordability checks are being developed.
Additionally, the Cruks self-exclusion system will be improved to allow indefinite registration and simplified registration by family members or legal guardians.
The WODC has observed that the current online gambling market structure has not been seriously considered in policy discussions. It will assess whether the current market structure is suitable.
While earlier WODC studies primarily examined gambling behaviour, betting limits, and money laundering risks, this new study will focus more directly on the market's foundations.
These significant policy changes are occurring at a time when the market is experiencing troubling developments. Recently, KSA reported that the channelisation by gross gaming result has fallen to 53% amid ongoing illegal market activity.
The regulator warned Dutch licensed operators that the regulated online gambling market is already under pressure from stalled growth, illegal competition, and ongoing concerns over player protection. Further tightening of online gambling rules is expected to increase this pressure.
In spring 2025, the Ministry of Justice and Security presented a new vision for gambling policy, highlighting player protection and prompting WODC research along with announced policy changes
