for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
The UK Gambling Commission and the Netherlands Gambling Authority just took their partnership up a notch. They’ve signed a new Memorandum of Understanding—basically, a promise to work even closer together to tackle illegal gambling. Their first agreement dates back to 2021, but as the gambling world keeps spilling over borders, regulators know they’ve got to team up even more.
Focus on Cross-Border Enforcement
The signing happened at the International Association of Gaming Regulators conference in Canada. KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen and UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes were there to make it official. For the UKGC, this is their first time renewing an MoU with another country, and it really shows they’re getting serious about working together—not just on paper, but for real.
So, what’s actually changing? The deal lets both sides share more intelligence, run joint investigations, and even set up staff exchanges to learn from each other’s methods. They want to stop black-market gambling and keep players safe, especially as online gambling keeps crossing borders.
The UK Gambling Commission stated:
“While at the International Association of Gaming Regulators in Canada, we had fruitful discussions with many international regulators, but this agreement with colleagues from the Netherlands is the first time we’ve signed a follow-up MoU with any country. This proposal will see us work much closer on tackling the illegal gambling market, on sharing vital regulatory information, and shadowing one another as we progress towards protecting our consumers in an ever-expanding global industry. With thanks to Michel Groothuizen, chair of the KSA, and his colleagues for their continued support in Europe and mutually beneficial ongoing partnership.”
Expanding the UKGC’s International Network
This isn’t the only partnership the UKGC has been working on. Earlier in 2025, they signed a similar agreement with Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority, and before that, with the Malta Gaming Authority. There’s a pattern here: as illegal gambling spreads, regulators are building a network to keep up.
For both the Dutch and the British, teaming up is the only way to shut down offshore operators who take advantage of loopholes between countries. They’re determined to protect consumers and move fast when illegal activity pops up.
In the bigger picture, this move is part of a wave across Europe—regulators are joining forces, sharing information, and making it clear that unlicensed gambling operators have nowhere to hide. It’s all about keeping the market safe and fair for everyone.
Source: iGaming Express
