KSA: warning about illegal gambling and a call to operators to protect players
The growth of the illegal online gambling market is one of the main challenges for the future of regulated iGaming, including in the Netherlands. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, has issued a new appeal to gambling operators, calling for a stronger commitment to player protection and to creating a safer digital environment.
The regulator’s message is not only about action against unlicensed operators but also about the responsibilities of licensed companies. According to the KSA, the regulated market must clearly demonstrate that it offers higher levels of safety than illegal alternatives by strengthening prevention tools and consumer protection measures.
The issue was addressed in a speech by Ella Seijsener, head of the KSA’s Licensing and Supervision Directorate, who highlighted the need to maintain a balance among sector competitiveness, regulatory sustainability, and user protection, with a particular focus on young adults.
Dutch online market stable as illegal gambling pressure grows
According to data analysed by the KSA, the regulated online gambling market in the Netherlands is undergoing stabilisation. The number of licensed operators, gross gaming revenue and user participation have not shown significant changes compared with previous months.
This trend comes in a European context in which the sector, by contrast, continues to record overall growth. Analysis by H2 Gambling Capital indicates an expansion of the regulated European online market in 2025, highlighting a difference from the situation in the Netherlands.
For the regulator, one of the most critical issues remains the legal market’s ability to maintain a high level of channelisation of players towards licensed platforms. A regulated market that is not sufficiently competitive risks, in fact, leaving more room for illegal operators, who do not adhere to the same standards regarding security, transparency and responsible gambling.
KSA strengthens action against unauthorised operators
The fight against illegal online gambling remains a priority for the Kansspelautoriteit. The authority stressed that simply imposing financial penalties is not always enough to tackle operators who often act outside national jurisdiction. The new strategy therefore aims to target the entire infrastructure that enables the illegal market to reach consumers.
Enforcement covers not only unauthorised gambling sites but also the services that facilitate their activities, such as technology providers, hosting companies, payment systems, and online marketing channels. The aim is to reduce the visibility and accessibility of illegal platforms, protecting users from environments that lack the safeguards provided by the regulated system.
Advertising and digital platforms under scrutiny
Another area of concern is commercial communications and the role of major digital platforms. The KSA highlighted the need for greater cooperation with the technology sector to limit the spread of illegal gambling offers and prevent consumers from being directed to unauthorised operators.
At the same time, the regulator also sent a clear message to licensed operators: formal compliance with the rules is not enough. Operators must act in line with the spirit of the rules, adopting practices that are consistent with the objectives of responsible gambling legislation.
The duty of care to customers is one of the pillars of the Dutch model. The KSA expects timely intervention in response to signs of risk, greater monitoring of player behaviour and commercial policies focused on prevention.
Taxation and restrictions: the risk of weakening the legal market
The regulatory debate also covers the potential consequences of new tax measures and sector-wide restrictions. The KSA has previously highlighted the need to carefully assess the impact of political decisions on market functioning. Overly strict rules could reduce licensed operators’ ability to compete effectively with illegal alternatives.
The issue is mainly about finding a balance: increasing consumer protection without making the regulated market less attractive than unchecked offshore platforms.
FIFA World Cup 2026: focus on protecting young players
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be an important moment for the sports betting sector. Events of this scale traditionally generate greater interest in betting and require closer attention from operators and regulators.
The KSA has already reminded the sector of the importance of complying with the advertising and responsible marketing rules during the tournament. Particular attention will be paid to young adults, who are considered a group more exposed to the risks associated with problematic gambling behaviour.
This article was originally published on the Italian SiGMA News page on 5 June 2026.
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