Dutch gambling regulator puts social media influencers in gun
The Dutch Gambling Regulator has set itself some ambitious goals for 2026, as they attempt to curb illegal gambling supply, protect youth, enhance player protections and enforce the ban on influencers targeting Dutch players.
The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) released the extensive document last week as they attempt to curb citizens from wagering with offshore gambling sites, which do not safeguard players’ winnings.
The regulator said their approach was to increase transparency around their functions and where they will directing their energy, while also providing a supportive environment for operators, earning public trust and aligning the industry with societal concerns.
The five key points set out as areas of foucs in 2026 by the Kansspelautoriteit are:
Combating Illegal Gambling Supply
A major priority for the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) in 2026 is to combat illegal gambling supply in the Netherlands. The regulator aims to ensure that at least 90 % of players use licensed, legal gambling platforms and to reduce revenue flowing to unauthorised providers.
To achieve this, the Ksa is increasing enforcement capacity and focusing on removing illegal operators’ infrastructure, especially online. This task includes collaboration with payment providers, hosting companies, social media platforms and international partners. Efforts are also being extended to physical, land‑based illegal gambling circuits by improving information flows and proactive detection.
Improved protections for youth who gamble
Protecting vulnerable groups, particularly minors and young adults (ages 18–24), is another key focus for 2026. The Ksa highlights concern about underage access to gambling, both legal and illegal, often via accounts of older acquaintances.
Increased oversight targets how operators enforce age verification and barrier measures to keep these groups away from gambling products.
Beyond enforcement, the regulator will expand awareness initiatives and campaigns to educate these demographics about gambling risks. Data analysis and behavioural research support these efforts, and interventions may follow if operators fail to protect vulnerable players sufficiently.
Enhanced duty of care obligations
The Ksa will intensify supervision of operator care obligations — the requirement that licensed gambling providers protect players from problem gambling and related harm. This involves ensuring that operators implement effective measures such as financial capacity checks, monitoring player behavior swiftly, and acting when there are signs of risk.
In 2026, the regulator plans deeper reviews of how gambling operators meet legal care standards, including the use of tech tools like AI to flag risky behaviour. Both online and land‑based providers must demonstrate compliance, with follow‑up guidance issued to help the industry improve practices.
Tightening up advertising guidelines
Advertising oversight is a central theme in the 2026 agenda, with particular emphasis on reducing unlawful or irresponsible gambling marketing. The Ksa aims to further reduce violations of advertising rules — especially those that reach vulnerable groups such as youths or problem gamblers.
There is a clear prohibition on using influencers, role models and sponsorships to promote gambling products, and enforcement will be stricter against illegal ads, including those on digital platforms.
The authority also plans updated guidance to clarify obligations for providers and to tighten compliance around online promotional content.
New anti-money laundering regulations
The fifth priority area concerns supervision of compliance with the Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme (Wwft) and the implementation of new Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) regulations. The Ksa will conduct risk‑based, data‑driven oversight of licensed online gambling sites and Holland Casino to ensure adherence to money‑laundering prevention obligations. This includes assessing risk profiles, client due diligence practices, reporting of suspicious transactions, and documentation. In 2026, the regulator will also educate the sector about new AML obligations and coordinate with EU‑level anti‑money‑laundering authorities.
