The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) has identified both positive progress and emerging risks in the Netherland’s betting and gaming market. Recent findings reveal advancements in sports betting oversight, the introduction of a new license for skill-based machines, and an evolving online gambling landscape marked by slower growth and ongoing illegal activity.
Improved Oversight of Sports Betting Risks
The Ksa’s latest research focused on how online gambling operators analyze and mitigate match-fixing risks in sports betting. Four licensed providers were examined to evaluate how effectively they identify, assess, and control threats to the integrity of sporting events.
This investigation was prompted by reports to the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) about potential match-fixing. Through its review, the regulator sought to determine whether operators’ internal risk analyses were being properly executed and whether they were adequately fulfilling their duty to report suspicious activities.
While the authority found areas that require refinement—such as detailing specific risk factors, improving reporting compliance, and strengthening the application of mitigation measures—it noted overall progress compared with previous assessments. The Ksa stated that the findings indicate “an upward trend compared to a year ago.” Random audits of risk analyses will continue to ensure consistent compliance and integrity within the sports betting sector.
New Limited License for Skill-Based Machines
In a move aimed at simplifying compliance for operators, the Ksa announced a new form of operating license limited solely to skill-based gaming machines. This tailored license responds to industry requests for a more efficient process separate from the broader gaming machine license.
Under the existing framework, a single license covers all gaming machines, including both skill and chance-based devices found in gaming halls and hospitality venues.
A skill machine, as defined by the Ksa, is one that “does not award prizes except for extra or longer games” and “where the course of the game depends entirely or almost entirely on the skill of the player.” Classic pinball machines, which reward players with additional balls based on performance, are a common example. Machines that do not meet these conditions are automatically classified as chance-based slot machines.
Legal Market Stagnates as Illegal Gambling Persists
The Ksa’s Monitoring Report Autumn 2025 marks a pivotal shift in the Dutch online gambling market. While the number of active players continues to climb, the sector’s gross gaming result (GSR) has declined—indicating reduced spending among legal participants.
The GSR for the first half of 2025 reached €600 million, down 16% from €697 million in the previous six months. This decline coincides with the introduction of new player protection measures, including stricter deposit limits designed to curb excessive gambling.
Despite the drop in total stakes, participation remains strong. Average monthly active accounts increased from 1.18 million in late 2024 to 1.29 million in early 2025, representing approximately 839,000 individual players, or 5.7% of Dutch adults.
Young adults aged 18 to 24 account for 23% of active accounts, despite representing just 9.3% of the adult population. They tend to lose less per account—€37 monthly versus €78 for older players—and participate more heavily in sports betting activities.
Source:
“Dutch Gaming Authority sees increasing risk analyses of sports betting”, kansspelautoriteit.nl. October 22, 2025
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