The Dutch government plans to ban online gambling advertising and bonuses under a broad tightening of the country’s regulated market.
The proposed package of reforms also includes centralised deposit limits, stronger affordability checks and wider powers against illegal operators. It will require legislation before taking effect.
Justice and Security State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen announced the proposals today (12 June). She cited rising gambling participation and increased addiction since legal online wagering began.
The country’s regulated market opened on 1 October 2021. Ministers now say young adults remain increasingly exposed to gambling-related debt and addiction.
Under the plan, licensed operators could no longer advertise online gambling or offer inducements. This would include free bets provided when customers open accounts.
The Netherlands already bans gambling advertisements using role models, while untargeted advertising for remote gambling has also been prohibited since July 2023.
Officials concluded those restrictions had not reduced public exposure enough, as young people still encounter substantial amounts of gambling advertising.
In addition to the advertising ban, an overarching deposit limit would cover gambling across all licensed online platforms. Players seeking higher limits would first face an affordability assessment.
That review could examine payment arrears, personal finances and whether someone is under guardianship or financial administration. The stated aim is preventing unaffordable losses.
The government also wants changes to Cruks, the national gambling exclusion register. Under the plans, voluntary exclusions could remain open-ended instead of ending automatically after a defined period.
Relatives or financial administrators would also gain an easier route to request another person’s registration, while links between Cruks and treatment services would also be strengthened.
Additionally, enforcement proposals include blocking illegal gambling websites. New statutory duties could cover payment providers, hosting companies and others supporting unlicensed operations.
Van Bruggen will develop the measures through a bill and a longer-term programme addressing gambling harm. Officials are also studying whether to cap the numbers of licences available in the market.
Europe cracks down on gambling
The Dutch move follows a wider European shift towards tighter online gambling controls.
Great Britain introduced maximum online slots stakes last year. The limit is £5 for players aged 25 or older and £2 for younger adults.
British rules effective from January 2026 also banned mixed-product promotions, while bonus wagering requirements were capped at ten times the bonus amount.
Belgium raised the minimum gambling age to 21 in September 2024. The change applied a common threshold to betting and casino gambling.
Previously, Italy had imposed a wider gambling advertising prohibition through its 2018 Dignity Decree.
The measure covers direct and indirect promotion across television, print, websites and social media. However, it has been the source of controversy and is still being debated.
Ireland has moved towards a national licensing system under its Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Key provisions began in February 2026.
Those measures include credit-card restrictions, player-set monetary limits and enforcement powers against unlicensed operators. Ireland’s regulator can begin licensing remote operators from July.
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