The Dutch gambling regulator (KSA) has launched a tender process to select a new operator for the OpenOverGokken helpline, as the contract with the current provider nears its end.
The contract has an estimated total value of €7m ($7.9m), excluding VAT, over its full potential term, with an annual contract value of €700,000 to €1m, including VAT.
The deadline for submitting an initial bid is 3 December. After discussions with the KSA, shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to submit a final bid, with a closing date of 15 January.
The winning applicant must fully take over the helpline service operations no later than 1 October 2027.
In a LinkedIn post, the regulator outlined the expertise and experience it is seeking from potential providers: ’’The KSA is looking for a party with expert employees who understand the target group: people who gamble, their loved ones and other stakeholders. Experience with, for example, addiction care, helplines, debt counselling, social work or prevention is relevant.’’
Separately, important news came from the Netherlands this week, regarding MPs backing stronger powers against illegal online gambling.
The Dutch House of Representatives backed a series of motions. One of these calls on the Government to amend the Gambling Act so that an online platform commits an offence when it repeatedly displays illegal gambling advertising after receiving a removal request.
Under the proposal, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) could impose an administrative fine or an order subject to periodic penalty payments.
This comes as VNLOK is taking Meta to court due to illegal gambling ads being disseminated on its platforms. Industry estimates suggest that the social media giant earns between €7.3m and €13.6m annually from such ads targeting Dutch users.
Another adopted motion calls for a pilot with the KSA, prosecutors and police targeting the digital infrastructure behind illegal gambling, including payment flows, platforms and hosting providers, with potential criminal enforcement.
Meanwhile, the minimum age for the riskiest gambling products could increase to 21, but only after illegal market action sees significant progress.
OpenOverGokken launched in September 2025 as the successor to Loket Kansspel, broadly serving individuals seeking gambling information, while its predecessor focused more narrowly on support services
