KSA reports €1.47bn in Dutch gambling revenue

A new monitoring report released by the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA) highlights significant developments in the Dutch gambling landscape for the year 2024. The report details both encouraging progress in responsible gaming and a troubling surge in the illegal gambling market.

According to the KSA’s data, the gross gaming result (GSR) for the legal Dutch online gambling sector reached €1.47 billion in 2024, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year. The increase in revenue comes amid growing player engagement and heightened regulatory efforts to promote safer gambling practices.

At the same time, the report raises red flags about the expansion of the illegal gambling market, where unlicensed operators now control approximately half of all gambling expenditure in the Netherlands. Despite this, the majority of Dutch gamblers—around 91%—continue to favor legal gambling providers.

Responsible gaming measures introduced in October 2024

In a move designed to protect vulnerable players and reduce gambling-related harm, the KSA implemented a series of responsible gaming measures in October 2024. These included mandatory deposit limits, restrictions on autoplay features, and enhanced monitoring of player behavior.

These measures appear to be having a measurable impact. For example, in the second half of 2024, only 1.2% of players lost more than €1,000 per month—a noteworthy decline in high-risk gambling behavior. This reduction suggests that stricter regulations and educational outreach efforts may be steering players toward more sustainable gambling habits.

Rise in new gambling accounts

The report also notes an increase in player participation, with approximately 90,000 new gambling accounts being created each month during the second half of 2024. This growth may be partially attributed to the public’s increased trust in safer gambling environments.

Although a larger user base typically brings more revenue, the KSA stressed the importance of balancing commercial success with social responsibility. The authority aims to ensure that gambling remains a form of entertainment rather than a source of financial distress.

Youth gambling remains a concern

A key demographic flagged in the report is young adults aged 18 to 23. While this age group constitutes only 9% of the adult population in the Netherlands, it accounts for 11% of total gambling losses. On average, these young players lost around €48 per month—lower than older demographics, but disproportionately high when considering their population share.

The KSA has long recognized that younger adults are more vulnerable to developing risky gambling behaviors. As such, the authority plans to strengthen age-specific interventions, which may include targeted awareness campaigns, tighter advertising restrictions, and more robust player verification processes.

Legal market remains dominant despite illegal growth

Although the number of Dutch players using legal gambling platforms remains high, the KSA’s report identifies a significant uptick in money circulating through illegal gambling operators. The black market now reportedly accounts for around 50% of all gambling expenditure—up from previous years.

This increase is especially concerning given the inherent risks associated with unlicensed gambling platforms. Players using these services often lack consumer protections, and illegal operators are not held to the same standards of transparency or fairness. The KSA has pledged to intensify its enforcement efforts, including blocking access to illegal websites and issuing fines to non-compliant entities.

Enforcement and future regulatory focus

The KSA's renewed focus on enforcement will involve greater cooperation with internet service providers, payment institutions, and international regulators. The goal is to identify and dismantle networks of illegal gambling activity that operate across borders.

Simultaneously, the authority will continue to refine the regulatory framework governing legal operators. This includes potential revisions to advertising guidelines, improved self-exclusion mechanisms, and continuous evaluations of deposit limit effectiveness.

In parallel, public awareness campaigns will be ramped up to educate players about the risks of gambling with unlicensed providers and the benefits of staying within the regulated ecosystem.

Positive signs from player behavior data

The report offers some optimistic insights into changing player behavior. Since the implementation of the new responsible gaming rules, fewer users are setting excessively high deposit limits. The average monthly loss per player has also declined, signaling a gradual shift toward more controlled gambling practices.

The KSA attributes these changes to improved player protection tools and better access to information about the risks associated with gambling. In particular, the authority cites the success of its online self-assessment tools, which allow users to monitor their gambling patterns and adjust their habits accordingly.

Impact on licensed operators

Licensed gambling companies in the Netherlands have had to adapt quickly to the new regulatory environment. While tighter restrictions may initially seem burdensome, many operators view the long-term benefits of sustainable gambling models as outweighing the short-term costs.

Increased consumer trust, reduced player churn, and fewer instances of gambling-related harm contribute to a healthier market ecosystem. Furthermore, operators that comply with the KSA's standards position themselves as socially responsible brands, which could enhance their reputation and player loyalty.

Comparison to previous years

To put the 2024 figures in perspective, the €1.47 billion GSR reflects a consistent year-on-year growth trajectory since the Dutch online gambling market was legalized in October 2021. The legal market has expanded steadily, bolstered by the licensing of new operators and the gradual decline of offshore platforms—although the recent spike in illegal activity poses a renewed challenge.

Compared to 2023, when the GSR stood at approximately €1.39 billion, the latest numbers suggest that the market continues to mature, even as regulatory hurdles intensify.

The road ahead for the KSA

Looking forward, the Netherlands Gambling Authority aims to strike a delicate balance between allowing innovation in the gambling sector and minimizing the social costs associated with gambling harm.

To achieve this, the KSA is likely to adopt a more data-driven approach, using real-time monitoring technologies to identify problem gambling trends early. Additionally, collaborations with academic institutions and mental health organizations are expected to play a larger role in shaping future gambling policies.

The KSA also acknowledges the importance of engaging with operators, technology providers, and player advocacy groups to ensure a well-rounded approach to regulation. As the Dutch market continues to evolve, regulators will need to remain agile, transparent, and responsive to emerging risks.

Conclusion

The Netherlands Gambling Authority’s 2024 monitoring report provides a comprehensive overview of both the progress and ongoing challenges within the country’s gambling sector. The introduction of responsible gaming measures has clearly yielded positive outcomes, including a decline in excessive player losses and more cautious gambling behavior. This indicates that regulatory frameworks focused on player protection can indeed coexist with a thriving, well-regulated market.

However, the rapid growth of the illegal gambling market serves as a stark reminder that enforcement must keep pace with regulation. As half of all gambling expenditure now flows through unlicensed operators, the KSA faces mounting pressure to strengthen its oversight and eliminate illegal activity that threatens both consumer safety and the integrity of the legal market.

Looking ahead, the KSA’s efforts must remain firmly focused on transparency, innovation, and collaboration with both domestic and international partners. With the majority of Dutch players still preferring legal platforms, the foundation is strong—but sustained success will depend on the authority’s ability to respond proactively to emerging threats and maintain trust in the regulated gambling ecosystem.

FAQs

What is the gross gaming result (GSR) reported by the KSA for 2024?
The KSA reported a gross gaming result of €1.47 billion for the year 2024, indicating a 6% growth from 2023.

What are responsible gaming measures introduced in the Netherlands?
Responsible gaming measures include deposit limits, autoplay restrictions, and enhanced monitoring tools to protect players from gambling harm.

How have these measures impacted player behavior?
The measures have led to fewer extreme losses, with only 1.2% of players losing more than €1,000 per month in the second half of 2024.

How many new gambling accounts were created in 2024?
Approximately 90,000 new gambling accounts were created each month in the latter half of 2024.

Why is youth gambling a concern in the Netherlands?
Young adults aged 18 to 23 represent a higher share of gambling losses compared to their population size, suggesting increased vulnerability to risky behavior.

What percentage of players use legal gambling platforms?
About 91% of Dutch gamblers are registered with licensed, legal gambling providers.

How much of the market is controlled by illegal operators?
Illegal gambling providers now account for around 50% of total gambling expenditure, posing regulatory and consumer protection challenges.

What actions is the KSA taking against illegal gambling?
The KSA is enhancing enforcement efforts, including blocking illegal websites and collaborating with internet providers and financial institutions.

How have legal operators responded to new regulations?
Many operators are adjusting their platforms to comply with new rules and emphasize responsible gaming as part of their brand identity.

What is the outlook for gambling regulation in the Netherlands?
The KSA aims to balance innovation and consumer protection through stricter enforcement, public education, and collaboration with stakeholders.