Teun Struycken, the Netherlands’ State Secretary for Legal Protection, has proposed raising the minimum age for high-risk gambling to 21. The proposal, detailed in a formal letter to the Tweede Kamer, is part of a broader effort to strengthen gambling regulations and address rising concerns about addiction and the effectiveness of current laws.
Struycken emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the potential impact of such a policy shift, with plans to present a new legislative framework by early 2026.
Raising the age limit is just one aspect of the government’s strategy to create a safer gambling environment. Plans are also underway to implement mandatory gambling limits across all operators, preventing players from hitting their limit with one platform and simply switching to another. Players would only be allowed to exceed these limits if they could prove it wouldn’t negatively affect their financial well-being.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) will also gain expanded powers, enabling it to collaborate with banks and internet providers to block illegal gambling sites, restrict access to certain platforms, and revoke licenses from non-compliant operators.
“Far too many groups are playing far too risky games, and far too many have already ended up in addiction care,” Struycken stated, reinforcing the urgency of stricter measures.
However, the proposal has sparked debate. The Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and its director, Eric Konings, warn that raising the age limit might drive younger players to unlicensed, unregulated platforms — especially concerning given that a Kansspelautoriteit study suggests nearly half of gambling activity in the Netherlands happens illegally.
The proposed measures reflect a balancing act between protecting public health and preventing the unintended consequences of a stricter regulatory landscape. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of gambling policy in the Netherlands.
