Netherlands Strengthens Efforts Against Illegal Gambling in 2026
Overview of the Dutch Gambling Authority’s 2026 Agenda
The Dutch Gambling Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has revealed its strategic plan for 2026. This plan focuses heavily on intensifying actions against illegal gambling activities and enhancing protections for players across the Netherlands.
Cracking Down on the Illegal Gambling Network
The KSA aims to confront not just illegal gambling operators themselves but the broader ecosystem that supports these activities. This comprehensive approach includes working closely with payment processors, hosting providers, and social media platforms to disrupt and dismantle the infrastructure that allows illegal gambling to thrive.
By collaborating with these key service providers, the regulator intends to make it more difficult for unlawful operators to function and to eliminate their channels of operation, thereby protecting the public from illicit gambling services.
This initiative follows growing criticism of companies that facilitate illegal gambling, whether by processing financial transactions for offshore operators, providing hosting services, or allowing promotions through social media.
Enhancing Player Protection and Social Responsibility Compliance
Alongside targeting illegal operators, the KSA plans to strengthen oversight of licensed operators in adhering to their social responsibility duties. This aligns with the Dutch government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and protection of players, ensuring licensed companies comply fully with care standards.
Moreover, the authority will monitor gambling advertising more closely and enforce compliance with the Act for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (WWFT) to maintain integrity in the sector.
Recent Enforcement: Fine Imposed on ComeOn’s Parent Company
The KSA recently demonstrated its enforcement commitment by imposing a penalty on Tulipa Ent Limited, the parent company of the licensed gambling operator ComeOn, for failing to meet social responsibility obligations.
An investigation reviewed ten player accounts that displayed significant losses over a relatively short period from December 2023 to September 2024. Importantly, these accounts were held by young adults—an especially sensitive group at risk of gambling-related harm.
While the exact financial losses were not revealed, the amounts were reportedly in the thousands of euros.
As a consequence of these findings, the KSA fined Tulipa Ent Limited €750,000, underscoring its zero-tolerance stance on breaches that jeopardize player safety.
