The Netherlands’ gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has revised its guidelines for how online gambling operators should conduct financial means testing. This update comes after new research into current industry practices. Since October 2024, operators have been required to perform these tests when players attempt to deposit over €300 for those aged 18-24 or €700 for those 24 and older. The KSA aims to prevent gambling beyond financial limits.
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Findings Spur Further Actions
In February 2025, the KSA initially outlined examples of good and bad practices for the financial means test. A review of 20 licensed operators revealed mixed results. While some operators enhanced their procedures, many still fell short. Consequently, the KSA conducted ten improvement interviews, issued three warnings, and one binding instruction to push for better compliance. “The discrepancies we found are concerning,” said a spokesperson for the KSA, noting that consistent enforcement of the means test is key to protecting vulnerable players. The KSA’s findings signal a push for stricter adherence to financial checks, something they’ve stressed in previous enforcement actions.
Clarifications for Operators
The updated guidance aims to clear misunderstandings among operators. Notably, the KSA has declared that liquid assets such as savings can’t factor into the financial means test. Instead, operators must base assessments on a player’s structural income. The KSA admitted that earlier guidelines led to inconsistent applications, causing confusion within the industry. By emphasizing structural income, the KSA wants to ensure players’ deposits align with their financial capacity, reducing the risk of gambling-related harm. This isn’t the first regulatory shake-up the Dutch market has seen. A similar overhaul occurred when they first implemented advertising restrictions.
Ongoing Supervision and Compliance
The KSA isn’t stopping at guidance updates. More sample checks are planned to ensure compliance with these clarified rules. Industry insiders are watching closely, noting that the timing is key — just ahead of the annual regulatory review. Whether these steps will mitigate gambling risks remains an open question. But in a market where regulatory vigilance has rapidly increased, operators know they can’t afford to fall behind in compliance efforts. But the board’s next move will be to assess the impact of these new guidelines when reviewing operator licenses later this year.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
