Dutch minority government cosndiering complete ban on gambling ads, limiting licences | Yogonet International
Summary
The Netherlands’ incoming minority coalition has reopened stalled gambling policy debates and set out plans that would introduce a total ban on online gambling advertising and explore limiting the number of online gambling licences. The measures appear in a 67-page coalition agreement published on 30 January and follow a snap election that left no party with a majority. The pact groups D66, the Christian Democrats and the VVD, with a new cabinet expected to be sworn in soon.
The agreement likens gambling to sex work as legal activities vulnerable to crime and trafficking, and pledges stronger duty-of-care requirements for operators, a crackdown on illegal sites and tighter oversight. The previous government’s reform of the Gambling Act — expected by end-2025 — was left unfinished after the administration collapsed. The Dutch gambling regulator (KSA) has previously pushed back against some harsher measures, while industry body VNLOK warns a total advertising ban could drive players to unlicensed operators.
The article notes existing restrictions: TV, radio and print ads were already banned in July 2023, online targeting rules protecting those under 24 were tightened and sponsorships ended in summer 2025. Market data show legal gross gaming revenue fell to €600m in H1 2025 (down 16% from the prior six months), with the black market surpassing the legal market in that period. Operators face licence renewals in 2026, with the KSA reviewing past compliance issues during renewals.
Key Points
- The new minority coalition plans a complete ban on online gambling advertising and to consider limiting the number of online gambling licences.
- The coalition agreement compares gambling to sex work, framing both as legal but vulnerable sectors needing protection from organised crime and exploitation.
- Proposals include stronger duty-of-care obligations for operators and intensified action against illegal gambling sites.
- The previous government’s Gambling Act reforms were left unfinished after its collapse; work stalled after the resignation of the state secretary responsible for gambling.
- Regulator KSA has previously opposed measures like a total ad ban; industry body VNLOK warns a full ban may push players to the black market.
- Legal market GGR fell to €600m in H1 2025 (down 16%); KSA figures show black-market revenue exceeded the legal market in that period.
- Existing restrictions already ban gambling ads on TV, radio and print (since July 2023), with online targeting limits and a sponsorship ban introduced in 2025; licence renewals are due in 2026.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: if you operate in, regulate or work around Dutch iGaming, this could change your entire playbook. The coalition is talking extreme measures — think total ad bans and fewer licences — which would reshape marketing, revenue and compliance. Read the detail so you know whether to brace for tighter duty-of-care rules, prepare for tougher licence renewals or shift strategy if advertising options vanish. We’ve skimmed the politics and pulled the parts that matter to your business.