The Netherlands’ Gaming Authority (KSA) has issued updated guidance on the statutory means test for online gamblers. The update comes after inspections revealed ongoing shortcomings in adherence to the guidelines, despite strides made by the sector in recent years. This revised guidance provides clearer instructions for operators on assessing players’ ability to manage higher deposit limits within the Dutch responsible-gaming framework.
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New Standards for Means Testing
Since October 2024, online gambling operators licensed in the Netherlands must conduct means tests for players who desire to deposit more than the established monthly limits—€300 for those aged 18-24, and €700 for those over 24. The intent is to prevent gambling beyond financial means, a core component of KSA’s “duty of care” policy. The updated guidance, released recently, refines the earlier version from February 2025. A major change is the emphasis on using only structural income for assessing deposit limits. Liquid assets—such as savings, business assets, and bonuses—are excluded from regular income considerations. This correction addresses earlier misinterpretations that resulted in overestimated deposit limits.
Regulatory Oversight and Compliance
Despite initial attempts to clarify procedures, KSA’s checks on 20 license holders exposed numerous compliance issues and procedural gaps. Consequently, enforcement actions have included ten improvement interviews, three warnings, and one binding instruction. The KSA plans to continue stringent oversight to ensure adherence to the new standards. An original report from last October revealed that support for deposit limits increased among the surveyed population—from 76% to 82% over two years. This indicates growing acceptance of the KSA’s regulatory measures among players.
Recommended and Discouraged Operator Practices
The revised guidance also outlines examples of best practices for operators. Notably, it advises against operator-initiated increases in deposit limits for young adults, no matter their declared income, keeping it at or below €300 monthly. For those with lower income, it’s recommended that operators apply a smaller percentage of net income than the standard 30% when determining safe spending thresholds. Additionally, the KSA encourages clear documentation of how net deposit limits are calculated. Operators should retain thorough records as proof of compliance. Multiple payslips or an average of cumulative pays can better establish a player’s income capacity. On the flip side, the guidance flags 13 “bad practices” operators should avoid. Examples include relying on unverifiable income claims or insufficiently imposing bonus restrictions post deposit limit changes. The KSA also advises against calculation errors like taking the highest payslip instead of averaging and treating non-recurring income sources as structural income.
What’s Next for Dutch Operators?
The KSA will continue to scrutinize compliance with these updated regulations. Operators can expect further checks and potential actions if non-compliance persists. The board anticipates issuing a broad compliance review report by the end of Q4 2026.
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.
