Kansspelautoriteit finds minimal underage access in online gambling

The Kansspelautoriteit has concluded that minors are largely unable to access licensed online gambling platforms in the Netherlands, following a detailed regulatory review of account registration and financial verification systems. The findings suggest that, while isolated incidents exist, the Dutch regulated market has robust safeguards in place to prevent underage participation.

The review was initiated after concerns emerged in 2025 that minors might be circumventing age verification mechanisms. However, the regulator’s analysis indicates that such occurrences are rare and typically linked to indirect access through adult accounts rather than systemic failures within licensed operators.

Strong controls limit underage gambling risks

The investigation conducted by Kansspelautoriteit focused on the technical and procedural safeguards used by licensed operators. These included identity verification during registration, bank account matching and transaction monitoring systems.

The regulator reported that the vast majority of operators complied with strict age verification requirements, significantly reducing the likelihood of minors creating accounts independently. These controls, combined with financial verification protocols, create multiple layers of protection that must be bypassed for unauthorized access to occur.

According to the findings, there was no evidence of widespread structural weaknesses within the regulated system. Instead, the controls in place functioned effectively in identifying and blocking attempts at underage registration.

Indirect access through adult accounts remains a concern

Despite the overall effectiveness of regulatory safeguards, Kansspelautoriteit identified a limited number of cases where minors were able to access gambling platforms indirectly. These cases typically involved the use of accounts registered under the names of adult relatives or acquaintances.

This type of access does not represent a failure of operator systems in a strict sense, as the accounts themselves were properly verified. However, it highlights a behavioral risk that lies outside purely technical safeguards.

The regulator noted that such situations are difficult to detect and prevent entirely, as they depend on the actions of account holders rather than system vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, the authority emphasized the importance of continued public awareness and responsible account management.

Bank verification loopholes identified and addressed

A small number of technical inconsistencies were also identified during the investigation. In certain cases, users were able to link bank accounts that did not fully correspond to the registered account holder.

These instances were rare and largely occurred when individuals shared identical initials. In such situations, automated verification systems occasionally failed to distinguish between two different individuals, allowing mismatched financial connections.

Kansspelautoriteit confirmed that these cases were limited in scope and did not indicate widespread misuse. Importantly, the regulator stated that a solution to this issue has now been developed and is expected to strengthen the integrity of bank verification processes going forward.

The authority plans to engage with licensed operators through technical discussions to ensure consistent implementation of improved verification standards.

Regulatory framework and future guidance

The findings from the investigation will inform updates to the Netherlands’ anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, known as the Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme. This regulatory structure sets out the compliance obligations for gambling operators, including customer due diligence and transaction monitoring requirements.

Kansspelautoriteit has indicated that it will incorporate new guidance into its Wwft manual, providing operators with clearer expectations regarding identity verification and financial account matching.

The regulator also plans to host technical sessions with industry stakeholders to ensure alignment on best practices and to address any remaining operational challenges.

Concerns shift toward illegal gambling operators

While the regulated market appears to maintain strong safeguards, Kansspelautoriteit has expressed growing concern about the risks posed by unlicensed gambling platforms. According to the regulator, evidence suggests that minors are more likely to access gambling services through illegal operators that do not adhere to strict verification standards.

Michel Groothuizen, Chair of the Board at Kansspelautoriteit, addressed this issue directly in an official statement:

“The KSA is deeply concerned about minors gambling. Fortunately, this appears to occur almost never among license holders, but we do have clear signals that it nevertheless happens. This is likely on the illegal market. Illegal operators often have little or no standards for age verification and advertise specifically to this young audience, for example via TikTok. That is extremely harmful and the Ksa is therefore working hard to combat the illegal supply. We are also placing greater emphasis on education for minors to make them aware of the risks of gambling.”

The statement underscores a key regulatory challenge, as illegal platforms operate outside the jurisdiction of national authorities, making enforcement more complex.

Education and enforcement strategies

In response to these concerns, Kansspelautoriteit is expanding its efforts beyond enforcement actions against illegal operators. The regulator is also focusing on preventive measures, including educational initiatives aimed at minors and young adults.

These initiatives are designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling, particularly when accessed through unregulated channels. By targeting younger audiences, the authority aims to reduce demand for illegal services and promote safer online behavior.

At the same time, enforcement efforts remain a priority. The regulator continues to monitor illegal operators and take action where possible, including issuing fines and blocking access to unauthorized platforms.

Industry cooperation remains essential

The success of the Dutch regulatory model depends not only on oversight but also on cooperation between the regulator and licensed operators. Kansspelautoriteit has emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with the industry to address emerging risks and refine compliance measures.

Operators are expected to implement the latest verification technologies and adhere strictly to regulatory guidelines. This includes continuous monitoring of user behavior, prompt reporting of suspicious activity and active participation in regulatory consultations.

The planned technical sessions are expected to play a key role in ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned in their approach to player protection.

Conclusion

The findings from Kansspelautoriteit provide a measured and evidence-based assessment of underage gambling risks within the Netherlands’ regulated online market. The investigation confirms that licensed operators have largely succeeded in implementing effective safeguards, with only isolated and exceptional cases of underage access identified.

At the same time, the report highlights the evolving nature of regulatory challenges, particularly in relation to illegal gambling platforms. While the licensed sector demonstrates strong compliance, the presence of unregulated operators continues to pose a significant risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as minors.

The regulator’s dual approach, combining stricter technical standards with educational outreach and enforcement, reflects a comprehensive strategy aimed at minimizing harm. Continued collaboration between authorities and industry participants will be essential in maintaining the integrity of the market and ensuring that player protection remains a central priority.

FAQs

What did Kansspelautoriteit find about underage gambling?
The regulator found that minors rarely access licensed gambling platforms and that existing safeguards are generally effective.

How do minors access gambling platforms when breaches occur?
Most cases involve minors using accounts registered under adult relatives or acquaintances rather than creating their own.

Were there any technical loopholes identified?
Yes, a small number of cases involved bank account mismatches, usually when individuals shared identical initials.

Has the bank verification issue been resolved?
The regulator confirmed that a solution has been developed and will be implemented across licensed operators.

What is Wwft in the context of gambling regulation?
It is the Dutch legal framework for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing that operators must follow.

Are licensed operators responsible for underage access?
The findings suggest that operators largely comply with regulations and that systemic failures are minimal.

Why is the illegal market a concern?
Illegal operators often lack age verification controls and may target younger audiences through advertising.

What actions is the regulator taking against illegal operators?
Kansspelautoriteit is increasing enforcement efforts and working to block access to unlicensed platforms.

How is the regulator addressing underage gambling risks?
Through stronger verification standards, industry cooperation and educational campaigns targeting minors.

What role does education play in prevention?
Education helps raise awareness among young people about the risks of gambling and reduces demand for illegal services.