Key Changes to Dutch Online Gambling Licensing Rules in 2026

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) is set to introduce significant amendments to its remote gambling licensing rules, effective January 1, 2026. These changes are particularly relevant for operators whose licenses, initially granted in 2021, will expire in October 2026. The new rules come with additional requirements that all applicants, whether for a new or renewed license, must comply with. These updates aim to ensure better regulatory control and provide clearer guidance for providers who wish to maintain operations in the Dutch market beyond their initial five-year license term.

New Licensing Requirements for All Applicants

Starting in 2026, all applicants seeking a remote gambling license in the Netherlands will be required to submit several new documents as part of their application. One key addition is the need for an exit plan, which must explain how operators will wind down their operations if they choose not to extend their license after the initial five-year period. This plan must detail the steps they will take to exit the market smoothly and responsibly.

In addition, applicants must include a statement on how they will keep the KSA informed about any significant changes to their business operations or policies. These updates must be shared in a timely manner to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards. Moreover, applicants must now submit a risk analysis under the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (WWFT). This analysis will assess the operator’s ability to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, ensuring that all applicants meet stringent financial security requirements.

Reevaluation Process for Existing Operators

For operators already holding a license in the Netherlands, the application process for a follow-up license will be more comprehensive. These operators will undergo a reassessment of their operations, focusing on critical aspects such as addiction prevention policies, recruitment practices, and advertising strategies. The KSA will also conduct a new integration test for the control database (CDB) component, ensuring that operators are maintaining effective systems for tracking and monitoring their operations.

If an operator has previously violated regulations or failed to meet the required standards, they will need to explain how they have addressed these issues and what measures they have put in place to prevent future occurrences. The KSA has made it clear that if the operator’s explanation is unsatisfactory, the license may be denied, or additional conditions and restrictions may be imposed on the renewal.

Implications of the New Licensing Rules

The new amendments are set to impact both new applicants and existing operators in the Dutch online gambling market. For operators who have held licenses since the market’s opening in October 2021, the new rules mark a crucial checkpoint. The KSA will now scrutinize past behavior and assess whether operators have adhered to the regulatory framework. Companies with a history of non-compliance will need to demonstrate a clear plan for addressing previous failures, or face the possibility of their renewal applications being rejected.

Additionally, the exit plan requirement aims to provide clarity on how operators can responsibly transition out of the market. This is important not just for the protection of players, but also for maintaining the integrity of the gambling industry in the Netherlands. If operators do not meet these new requirements, the KSA has made it clear that they may not be granted a license renewal, even if they have previously been licensed.

Source:

Nieuwe Beleidsregels vergunningverlening kansspelen op afstand vanaf 1 januari 2026, kansspelautoriteit.nl, September 2, 2025.