Netherlands plans gambling law reform by 2025

A gambling bill is set to be introduced in the Netherlands by the end of 2025, as State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken, has proposed raising the minimum age for online slots to 21 as part of broader regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing player protection.

The Netherlands is set to introduce a new gambling bill by the end of 2025, with State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken, outlining key reforms aimed at strengthening player protection. In his latest update to parliament on 14 February, Struycken emphasized the need to safeguard all citizens, including non-gamblers, from gambling-related risks.

The government’s review, initiated last year and published in November, concluded that existing responsible gambling measures were ineffective, failing to create a sustainable and safe market under the Remote Gambling Act. Struycken’s proposed reforms include raising the minimum age for “risky” games of chance, such as slots, to 21 and introducing overarching deposit limits.

Discussions are ongoing about accelerating certain measures, such as stricter operator duties of care and enhanced advertising restrictions. Current gambling ads are already prohibited on television, radio, and public spaces, with online marketing limited to consumers aged 24 and above. Further regulations aim to “severely limit” the appeal of online gambling.

Additionally, Struycken plans to strengthen enforcement, granting the Dutch gambling regulator (KSA) expanded powers to impose stricter deposit limits, conduct financial capacity tests for deposit increases, and block illegal gambling sites. He also intends to engage European policymakers to address the growing issue of illegal gambling across borders.

Struycken reaffirmed that his primary objective is to protect individuals from gambling-related harm, including addiction and financial distress, with a particular focus on minors and young adults.

Teun Struycken, the State Secretary for Legal Protection, mentioned:

For me, the most important starting point is protecting all citizens from gambling-related harm. In doing so, I go beyond preventing addiction and also look at other harm that participation in gambling can cause, such as debts. It is necessary to protect all people, especially those who have not yet come into contact with gambling or who have stopped gambling. In doing so, I focus in particular on minors and young adults.