Dutch gambling minister insists there is “much to be done” to improve regulated market 

The Dutch minister responsible for gambling, Teun Struycken, has claimed the regulated market in the Netherlands currently faces significant challenges and “much remains to be done” to improve its protection of players.

The minister’s comments came after a visit to the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) headquarters, during which time he held discussions with chair Michel Groothuizen, vice-chair Bernadette van Buchem and the board of directors. 

Struycken also addressed conversations he held with KSA employees regarding surveillance of the market, a task he described as “increasingly complicated”. 

On the role of the KSA, Struycken championed the regulator’s efforts and said discussions had taken place over bolstering its powers to tackle the black market.

He wrote: “Surveillance is becoming increasingly complicated. This is not only due to the growth of legal offerings, but also due to the presence of illegal platforms.

“In addition, it is very important to take action against illegal supply and to combat illegal advertising.  

“The KSA already has a number of instruments for this, and we have discussed strengthening them. For players and especially for vulnerable groups, these illegal providers pose a great risk.” 

And while the gambling minister recognised the efforts of the regulator and the danger of the black market, he said there were still improvements to be made.

He also referred to the evaluation of the Dutch Remote Gambling Act by the Scientific Research and Data Centre which slammed the framework as “inadequate” and in need of “urgent adjustments” to better protect customers at risk from gambling-related harm.

“In short, the challenges remain great,” Struycken explained. “Much remains to be done to better regulate the gambling market and better protect players. Solutions must be found for this. It is good and important that the House of Representatives pays attention. 

“In December, there will be a policy response to the evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act. This will lay the foundation for further steps in gambling policy.” 

Struycken’s comments follow his revelation last month that he is considering a blanket ban on gambling advertising as well as imposing restrictions on “very risky elements” within online slots. 

The minister noted several gambling-related motions filed by MPs over the course of 2024 in a letter addressed to the House of Representatives, written to mark the third anniversary of the regulated market’s launch. 

Struycken’s letter outlined his plans to have research conducted into the effects of a ban on non-targeted gambling adverts, which he anticipates will be concluded by the first half of next year.

Any changes made regarding online slots are anticipated to take longer, as the minister for legal protection awaits the findings of a study analysing the risks of various gambling products.