Dutch gambling regulator prepares to step up actions against illegal gambling
The KSA plans to frustrate and disable the infrastructure of illegal operators.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has outlined plans to place a greater focus on combating illegality and player protection in its oversight in 2026. Additional capacity is being freed up to combat illegal gambling, primarily to frustrate and disable the infrastructure of illegal parties, the regulator said.
This could take the form of closer collaboration with payment service providers, hosting providers, and social media companies. Meanwhile, an increased priority on protecting vulnerable groups and enhanced oversight of advertising and duty of care aligns with the Ministry’s renewed vision, which places a greater emphasis on player protection.
A separate player protection department has been established for this purpose within the KSA’s new organisational structure, effective from the start of the year. The body now has a board structure comprising a full-time chair and two part-time board members, while its various departments have been consolidated into three directorates:
- Player Protection & Management Advice, to be headed by Roos Lawant from February 1, 2026
- Permits & Supervision, already under the leadership of Ella Seijsener as of January 1.
- Digitalisation, Analysis & Business Operations, to be led by Daniël Palomo van Es from February 1.
The regulator said the change aligns with its revised strategy, which places more emphasis on player protection, digitalisation, and data-driven oversight, as it aims to make the KSA a modern, agile organisation that oversees a rapidly changing gambling market.
The regulator’s priorities for the new year cover five key themes: combating illegal gambling offers, the protection of vulnerable groups: minors and young adults, supervision of the duty of care, supervision of advertising and supervision of compliance with money laundering legislation (Wwft).
In its supervision of advertising, the KSA intends to focus on action against operators using role models and influencers in ads. It also plans to tackle operators who still use untargeted advertising. There are plans to publish new guidance early in the year.
In terms of land-based gambling, the KSA will focus on tracking how slot machines reach illegal venues and will include continue to work with other government agencies.
