In a definitive report addressing public concern over youth gambling, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has announced that the rigorous safeguards implemented by licensed operators make it virtually impossible for minors to access regulated betting sites.
The findings follow a comprehensive study into registration processes, focusing specifically on identity and bank account verification protocols.
Technical Loopholes and Regulatory Support
While the study found no “serious abuses” of existing safeguards, which mandate a minimum age of 18 for all gambling activities, the KSA did identify a very specific technical vulnerability. In a “very limited” number of cases, underage players were able to gamble by utilizing bank accounts belonging to individuals who shared their exact same initials.
To rectify this, the regulator has pledged to host technical sessions with providers to establish new expectations. These recommendations will eventually be integrated as official guidance within the Dutch Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act (Wwft).
KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen expressed the agency’s stance on the issue:
“KSA is deeply concerned about minors gambling. Fortunately, it appears that this hardly ever occurs among licence-holders, but we do have clear indications that it is happening, nonetheless. This will therefore likely be on the illegal market. Illegal providers often apply no or low standards for age verification and target advertising specifically at this young demographic, for example via TikTok. That is extremely harmful, and KSA is therefore working hard to combat the illegal supply. We are also placing a stronger focus on educating minors to make them aware of the risks of gambling.”
Cautions for Major Operators
The report arrives during a period of high-stakes enforcement in the Dutch market. Recently, Unibet (Optdeck Service Limited) was ordered to improve its AML measures, while bet365 received a binding instruction regarding “serious failures” in its duty of care.
The KSA confirmed it may utilize bank transaction data for deeper investigations to ensure that licensed platforms remain a secure environment, free from underage participation.
