Dutch Gamblers Still Favour Unlicensed Casinos in 2026

The Annual Gaming Industry Event in Amsterdam revealed some shocking news: Half the money generated by gambling in the Netherlands is still ending up with illegal operators. And it highlights a problem regulators across Europe continue to battle.

Despite many years of reform and tighter rules, unlicensed platforms remain deeply embedded in the Dutch market. While most players technically stay within the legal system, the financial picture tells a different story.

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 Still Fighting Unlicensed Casinos

Around half of gross gambling revenue is still believed to flow to illegal providers, even though roughly 90% of Dutch gamblers use licensed sites exclusively. Kansspelautoriteit chair, Michel Groothuizen, acknowledged the frustration felt by licensed operators. 

The highlighted contradiction sits at the heart of this challenge. The majority of online casino players may be compliant, but big spenders continue to gravitate towards unlicensed platforms, where restrictions are lighter, and oversight is minimal. 

For regulators, that creates a constant balancing act between protecting players and keeping the legal market attractive enough to compete.

 Putting Local Players First

Groothuizen made it clear that the focus is shifting for the KSA. The regulator is no longer looking only at gambling activity alone, but at the broader group of people affected by it, including those who do not gamble or who have stopped gambling.

This shift is shaping the regulator’s approach to enforcement and policy heading into 2026. Rather than relying on fines and warnings, the KSA plans to expand its capacity and disrupt illegal gambling infrastructure more aggressively. That includes closer cooperation with banks, internet service providers, marketing agencies and international regulators.

Cross-border information sharing is already on the rise, something that Groothuizen previously described as a kind of gambling Interpol. 

 Stricter Duty of Care = Real Impact

Recent regulatory changes appear to be having an effect. Mandatory affordability checks and net deposit limits have reduced extreme spending behaviour, with players no longer depositing at the same levels seen previously.

From a regulatory perspective, that is a positive outcome, even if it affects operator revenues. The KSA has made it clear that duty of care will remain a priority in 2026, with closer scrutiny of how checks are carried out and how quickly operators intervene when risks appear.

Guidelines on the use of AI and automated monitoring tools are also expected later this year, signalling a more technology-driven approach to compliance.

Advertising and AML Under Pressure

Groothuizen rejected calls for a total advertising ban, warning that overly restrictive rules would simply push players towards illegal operators. Instead, he urged operators to show restraint and apply common sense.

Anti-money laundering compliance will also remain under close watch. According to the regulator, too many warnings and fines were issued last year, and AML failures continue to undermine both player protection and market integrity.

 A Critical Year Ahead for Licensed Gambling

With licence renewals on the horizon for remote gambling operators, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the Dutch market. The message from the regulator is clear. Stronger duty of care, responsible advertising and full AML compliance are no longer optional extras.