Dutch Regulator Prioritizes Illegal Gambling Crackdown in 2026 Agenda

The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has published its 2026 supervision agenda, signaling a significant shift toward tackling illegal gambling and enhancing player protection. The Dutch regulator outlined five central themes that will guide its enforcement priorities throughout the year.

Key Focus Areas for 2026The Ksa is deploying additional capacity specifically to combat illegal gambling operations. The strategy centers on disrupting and blocking the infrastructure used by unlicensed operators, including:

Intensified cooperation with payment service providersCloser collaboration with hosting providersPartnerships with social media companies to restrict illegal gambling promotionNew Player Protection DepartmentThe regulator's heightened focus on protecting vulnerable groups aligns with the Dutch Ministry's updated policy vision, which places greater emphasis on player safety. To support this initiative, the Ksa has established a dedicated player protection department as part of its organizational restructure, effective January 2026.

Operators should also expect stricter supervision of advertising practices and duty of care obligations. The regulatory shift suggests licensed operators may face increased scrutiny on responsible gambling compliance throughout the year.

The full supervision agenda is available as a PDF download from the Ksa website.