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Proposals to renew and outlaw gambling advertising, and maybe limit online licenses in the market, have been presented by the incoming minority coalition administration in the Netherlands.
The Authorities Take a Strong Stand Against Gambling
On January 30, the Unity, which was made up of the VVD coalition and the D66 party, published its confirmation.
It warned that both the gambling and the sexual industry are vulnerable to fraud, trafficking individuals.
The agreement stated that although gambling on the internet and sexual activities in the Netherlands are legal, they are also highly at risk of criminal activity and trafficking.
The representatives declared their intentions to shield those in these industries who are at risk from others who stand to gain.
After The Election, a Coalition
After Dick Schoof’s parliament collapsed, no party was able to achieve a majority in the general election held in October.
Following months of talks, a 67-page document was produced by the three-party alliance.
Later this month, a fresh cabinet is expected to take office.
Reforms to Gambling Are Still in Fog
By the end of 2025, the former administration promised to unveil a new Gambling Act and renovate the internet gambling.
Following the coalition’s dissolution due to differences over asylum policies, the preparations came to a standstill.
Teun Struycken, the previous State Secretary for Protection of the Law, who was in charge of the gaming reform, left the office in August alongside several other cabinet officials.
Proposals for stronger licensing and advertising regulations have been revived by the new coalition’s agreement.
Political Obstacles for the Regulator
According to Michel Groothuizen, head of the Dutch Securities Authority, the regulator and party members always had tense exchanges.
He stated that practical suggestions are frequently opposed, adding that “the business sector is not accepted by most governments”.
Groothuizen commended legislators’ openness in discussing policy but warned that the minority coalition would find it difficult to secure support for new initiatives.
Industry Alerts on the Dangers of the Black Markets
A separate claim was filed by the VNLOK, explaining that a complete ban on advertising could drive consumers to the illegal market.
According to Chairman Bjorn Fuchs, such a ban would jeopardize the Netherlands’ controlled policy on player safety and promotion.
This is very much proved from the KSA report, in H1 2025, revenues from the black market surpassed to those in the legal market.
Over a limited six-month period, GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) decreased from almost €700 million to €600 million. This decrease is partly caused by the restrictions on purchase limits.
Prior Limitations on Advertising
Advertisements in the Netherlands for Gambling have been prohibited previously.
Commercials on digital equipment, such as TV, radio, and printed ads, were severely restricted in July 2023, and people under the age of 24 could not be reached by online targeted advertisements.
Sponsorships for gambling expired back in the summer of 2025.
Renewal of Licences and Compliance
Five years have passed since the Netherlands’ legal iGaming sector opened in 2026. Operators must renew their licenses in order to be operative in the country.
Operators who have failed to comply previously are required to present remedial actions.
According to local attorney Justin Franssen, the KSA wants to facilitate the compliance operators’ reapplication procedure.
Operators with a spotless record can submit basic declarations for several compliance sections, according to Bjorn Fuchs of VNLOK.
Source: Pokeren
