In December 2025, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ gambling regulator, summoned online gambling operators for a “constructive but frank” discussion following a series of enforcement actions regarding inadequate player protection and duty-of-care violations. This closed-door roundtable aimed to scrutinize how companies identify customers at risk, ensure timely intervention, and report significant cases to the regulator. The meeting came on the heels of various investigations into inconsistent interventions and inadequate follow-up actions, including sanctions against Unibet operator Optdeck Service over failures in enforcing self-exclusions and permitting illegal bets.
During the meeting, the KSA acknowledged “large differences” in compliance application among firms and their frequency in escalating issues. Some licensees admitted to difficulties in promptly notifying the regulator when a customer’s gambling behavior surpasses internal risk thresholds. Others acknowledged that case files submitted to KSA often lacked critical information, such as contact history, affordability checks, or details explaining specific interventions.
The regulator praised Holland Casino Online and Optdeck Service, Unibet’s parent company, for their comprehensive documentation and structured internal processes in managing player risk. These two operators were invited to share their methodologies with peers, including their procedures for documenting warning signs and directing critical cases to compliance teams. However, this recognition is somewhat ironic, given that in December 2024, KSA fined Optdeck €400,000 for allowing players in the national self-exclusion register, known as Cruks, to gamble. Additionally, in September 2025, KSA imposed a conditional penalty of up to €450,000 for enabling bets on youth matches and susceptible events such as corners and yellow cards.
KSA described the roundtable as an “educational” engagement, yet emphasized that enforcement actions will persist. Ella Seijsener, head of online duty of care at KSA, remarked, “It was good to engage in this discussion with the operators. This is educational for the sector and also provides useful input for our supervision.” The authority maintained that while knowledge-sharing is crucial, it does not replace regulatory oversight. Insights from the meeting will directly inform ongoing investigations, with a specific focus on duty-of-care in the KSA’s 2026 online market supervision strategy.
Since the enactment of the Remote Gambling Act in 2021, Dutch lawmakers have incrementally restricted untargeted advertising, reinforced regulations for young adults, and urged operators to adopt more proactive, data-driven monitoring practices. KSA has consistently stated its readiness to impose fines, conditional penalties, or even review licenses if operators fail to comply with these expectations.
Looking forward, KSA announced plans to refine guidance on notifications and case documentation, particularly concerning the information operators must submit when flagging high-risk cases. The authority also intends to evaluate how companies conduct personal interviews during future inspections, focusing on whether staff are trained to recognize signs of harm and provide meaningful support rather than relying on standard scripts.
“The KSA remains committed to improving the gambling market and protecting vulnerable players,” the regulator affirmed, emphasizing that duty-of-care performance will be a core focus of its supervisory activities in the upcoming year.
In contrast, some industry analysts argue that while the KSA’s stringent measures are necessary for consumer protection, they may also stifle innovation and competitiveness within the Dutch online gambling market. They caution that excessive regulatory pressure could lead to reduced market participation, ultimately limiting player choice and driving users to unregulated operators.
Nevertheless, the KSA remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard consumers and ensure a fair gaming environment. As the Dutch gambling market continues to evolve, the balance between innovation and regulation will be critical in determining its future trajectory. The insights from the recent roundtable are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping these outcomes, providing a framework for ongoing discussions and policy developments.
Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, the KSA and industry stakeholders aim to create a more robust regulatory landscape that adequately protects consumers while allowing operators the flexibility to innovate and grow within a responsible framework. This approach not only aligns with the KSA’s regulatory objectives but also reflects the broader societal expectations of accountability and care within the gambling sector.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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