Netherlands Gambling Regulator KSA Cautions Government

The Dutch gambling watchdog KSA has cautioned Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s administration that sweeping advertising prohibitions could accidentally strengthen black market operators rather than protect consumers.

Michel Groothuizen, who chairs the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), dispatched a formal communication to the recently formed coalition highlighting potential friction points in its gambling policy agenda. While the regulator endorses the cabinet’s objectives of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and combating unauthorized gambling, it identified two specific proposals that may produce unintended consequences.

Jetten’s coalition intends to reinforce operator duty-of-care obligations and intensify enforcement against illegal websites. Groothuizen affirmed alignment on these fundamental aims, stating that the KSA and government share common ground on consumer protection and illicit market suppression.

The sticking points involve a comprehensive prohibition on online gambling promotions and proposed caps on licensing volumes. Groothuizen presented data suggesting such measures might misfire. According to KSA surveillance, licensed Dutch operators account for merely 2,000 out of approximately 60,000 gambling advertisements appearing monthly on major social platforms.

“Reducing licensed operator numbers does not guarantee reduced advertising volumes or player participation,” Groothuizen observed. He cautioned that restricting legitimate marketing channels would disadvantage regulated companies while technology platforms continue their sluggish response to unauthorized promotional content.

Jetten assumed leadership following emergency elections triggered by the previous government’s dissolution. His administration inherited pending regulatory modifications including tighter financial controls and enhanced marketing oversight.

Claudia Van Bruggen has assumed responsibility for gambling policy as the newly appointed Secretary for Legal Protections.

Groothuizen concluded his correspondence constructively, extending best wishes to the incoming administration and confirming the regulator’s preparedness to collaborate toward shared objectives.