The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has announced new licensing requirements for online gambling operators.
Why this is happening
Online gambling in the Netherlands was legalized in autumn 2021, with licenses issued for a 5-year period. The first licenses will expire in October 2026. New applicants will now face stricter requirements aimed at making the regulated market more transparent.
New licensing rules effective January 1, 2026
🔵 All applicants must provide an "exit plan," a risk analysis, and a change notification plan.
🔵 Applicants must explain all violations over the past 5 years and show how they were resolved.
🔵 Existing operators will undergo a separate review when renewing licenses (player protection, advertising, and a database compliance test).
🔵 Failure to comply with court rulings or weak explanations may result in license renewal being denied.
Market environment
🔴 Gambling tax set at 34.2% from January 1, 2025, rising to 37.8% in 2026
🔴 Ban on advertising and sponsorship for the general public
🔴 Deposit limits
Expected consequences
🔵 In the long term, these measures will increase transparency and accountability in the market.
🔵 Higher taxes + marketing restrictions + stricter licensing requirements may reduce profits for licensed operators and strengthen the offshore sector.
🔵 In its latest report, the KSA regulator forecasts a € 40 million decline in online gambling revenue in 2025, whereas previous reports projected a € 100 million increase for the same period.
Online gambling in the Netherlands was legalized in autumn 2021, with licenses issued for a 5-year period. The first licenses will expire in October 2026. New applicants will now face stricter requirements aimed at making the regulated market more transparent.
New licensing rules effective January 1, 2026
🔵 All applicants must provide an "exit plan," a risk analysis, and a change notification plan.
🔵 Applicants must explain all violations over the past 5 years and show how they were resolved.
🔵 Existing operators will undergo a separate review when renewing licenses (player protection, advertising, and a database compliance test).
🔵 Failure to comply with court rulings or weak explanations may result in license renewal being denied.
Market environment
🔴 Gambling tax set at 34.2% from January 1, 2025, rising to 37.8% in 2026
🔴 Ban on advertising and sponsorship for the general public
🔴 Deposit limits
Expected consequences
🔵 In the long term, these measures will increase transparency and accountability in the market.
🔵 Higher taxes + marketing restrictions + stricter licensing requirements may reduce profits for licensed operators and strengthen the offshore sector.
🔵 In its latest report, the KSA regulator forecasts a € 40 million decline in online gambling revenue in 2025, whereas previous reports projected a € 100 million increase for the same period.