The Netherlands is debating a proposal to increase the legal online gambling age from 18 to 21, but Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) chairman Michael Groothuizen has raised serious concerns. In a blog post published on 18 February 2025, he cautioned that such a change could push young players toward illegal, unregulated gambling sites that lack consumer protections.
Groothuizen argues that simply increasing the legal age limit won’t necessarily prevent young adults from gambling. Instead, it could have the unintended effect of driving them to black-market operators. “If the legal supply is no longer accessible, it is likely that these young adults will switch to the illegal supply. And there, there is no duty of care, no information about addiction prevention, no player limits and no CRUKS,” he wrote. The Dutch self-exclusion system, CRUKS, which helps problem gamblers limit their access to legal gambling, would not be available to these players if they turn to unlicensed sites.
Government’s Push for Stricter Gambling Laws
This warning comes in response to a broader discussion initiated by State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken, who sent a letter to parliament on 14 February outlining potential changes to the 2021 Remote Gambling Act. Among the suggested reforms were a higher legal gambling age, stronger KSA enforcement powers, and measures to combat illegal gambling operations. 
While Groothuizen supports expanding KSA’s regulatory powers—such as giving the authority more tools to block illegal gambling websites—he remains skeptical about raising the legal age limit. “I think it is important that the minister first thoroughly investigates the possible effects of such a measure before deciding to increase the legal age,” he stated in his blog.
Tackling Illegal Gambling Through Financial Restrictions
To combat black-market gambling, the KSA is already working closely with financial institutions to cut off payment services to illegal operators. By disrupting financial transactions, the regulator hopes to weaken the appeal and accessibility of unlicensed gambling platforms.
In addition, Struycken has suggested introducing a mandatory industry-wide deposit limit, a move that Groothuizen acknowledges could help prevent excessive gambling. However, he also pointed out the complexities of such a measure: “There are still many snags in its implementation. This requires customization and consultation with providers.”
As Dutch policymakers weigh these proposals, the debate highlights a key challenge – balancing effective consumer protection with ensuring that players remain within the regulated, safer gambling environment. The KSA and industry leaders will be closely watching how these potential reforms unfold.
