New KSA gambling rules slash player losses in first year
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has released strong evidence that the rules introduced in late 2024 are doing exactly what they were designed to do; protect players from excessive gambling losses. According to the authority’s second monitoring report, harmful gambling behaviour is down, with average monthly losses per player dropping by 31 percent, all while keeping most players within the regulated market.
Deposit limits deliver dramatic results
Since the mandatory deposit threshold system came into force in October 2024, its impact has been striking. Before the changes, around 4 percent of players lost over €1,000 each month. That number has now fallen to just 1 percent. And the effect isn’t just on individual players, these high-spending users used to account for 73 percent of operators’ gross gaming revenue. Now, they contribute just 23 percent.
The tiered deposit system seems to be working according to plan. Players aged 25 and up face a €700 monthly deposit threshold, while those aged 18 to 24 are limited to €300. Once a player exceeds these thresholds, operators must carry out affordability checks. If a player fails or refuses the check, no further deposits are allowed until the next month.
Average monthly losses have come down across the board. The overall drop from €116 to €80 represents a 31 percent decrease. Younger players, who make up only 9 percent of the adult population, are responsible for 11 percent of gambling losses. However, their average monthly loss sits at €48, compared to €148 for older adults.
Mandatory contact requirements show promise
Another rule gaining traction is the one requiring players to speak to operators before setting higher deposit limits, over €150 for young adults or over €350 for older players. This interaction is intended to raise awareness of the risks involved. It seems to be working, with fewer than half of players going on to set higher limits after the conversation.
Industry voices say this kind of interaction offers an important chance to step in early. Commenting on the Online Gambling Barometer 2024 Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), said: “Risk players are people who sometimes lie about their gambling behaviour or bet more money than they intended. These are players who deserve extra protection.”
Channelling rates remain robust despite concerns
There were early fears that tighter rules might push gamblers towards illegal sites, but the numbers are reassuring. Around 93 percent of players are still using only legal platforms. However, if you look at total money spent rather than the number of players, things get murkier, legal operators held on to about 50 percent of total gambling spend in the second half of 2024.
The KSA recognises this gap, suggesting that bigger spenders may be switching to unlicensed platforms to sidestep deposit limits. Search traffic for the top 100 illegal gambling sites is on the rise, which could also be a sign of growing interest in the black market.
Helma Lodders, chair of the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK), voiced concern about this shift: “The fact that the turnover of the illegal market is growing so fast means that players who wager a lot of money are more likely to operate outside the regulated offering. That is worrying, because these players are more at risk of gambling problems.”
Enforcement efforts intensify
The KSA has been ramping up its enforcement. One example is a €1.05 million fine issued to Alimaniere Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada for offering illegal gambling. The regulator has also removed 20 illegal gambling apps from app stores and handed out substantial fines to offshore sites.
The crackdown extends beyond operators. In June 2025, the KSA also issued its first-ever penalty order against a gambling influencer promoting unlicensed sites, signalling a new phase in its enforcement strategy.
The Dutch experience shows that with the right structure in place, regulation can dramatically reduce gambling harm without gutting the legal market. A 31 percent drop in average losses and a steep fall in extreme loss cases suggest that these kinds of measures can work. That said, keeping high-stakes players from drifting to illegal options remains one of the toughest challenges for regulators.
