The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has published its Supervisory Agenda for 2026, outlining a strategy focused on dismantling the infrastructure of illegal gambling while tightening “duty of care” standards for licensed operators.
Acknowledging that fast-moving technology and AI are making oversight more difficult, the KSA stated its primary goal is to maintain a channelisation rate of at least 90%, keeping Dutch players within the legal market.
Disrupting the Black Market
To achieve this, the KSA plans to go beyond blocking websites. The regulator will target the essential services that keep illegal operators afloat, including payment providers, hosting firms, and social media platforms. The agenda also highlights new cooperation with international regulators to enforce these blocks more effectively.
Protecting Young Adults
A major priority of the 2026 Agenda is shielding minors and young adults (18-24) from gambling harm. The KSA noted concerns about minors accessing legal sites via adult accounts and aims to launch a consumer information site, Open over Gokken, early in the year.
Stricter Duty of Care
Operators can expect heightened scrutiny regarding their intervention speeds. The KSA warned it will publish new guidance on using AI for monitoring risky behavior. “The ban on using role models in online gambling advertising remains a core enforcement target,” the agenda confirmed, explicitly including influencers and streamers in the restriction to prevent the normalization of gambling among youth.
