Dutch Lawmakers Debate Raising Gambling Age and Combating Black Market Growth

Phased Age Increase Considered to Limit Illegal Gambling

During a parliamentary session on March 28, State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken proposed a gradual increase in the legal age for gambling on certain verticals, including slot machines. This suggestion came as part of an ongoing cross-party debate on gambling reform within the Netherlands’ standing committee on justice and security.

Struycken emphasized that a phased approach could prevent younger gamblers from migrating to unlicensed sites. “We anticipate that a staggered implementation would help ensure those who can currently gamble on certain games could still do so legally,” he stated during the meeting.

Concerns were raised by several MPs that a sudden increase in the age limit could drive younger adults toward illegal platforms. However, Christian Union leader Mirjam Bikker argued for a universal minimum age of 21 for all gambling products, calling current legislation “a complete failure.” Her critique was supported by MPs Willem Koops and Diederik van Dijk, who also described the existing regulations as “insufficient.”

Illegal Gambling Market Seen as a Growing Threat

A central theme in the debate was the rising influence of the illegal gambling market. According to data from the Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), unlicensed operators may now be capturing more player spending than regulated platforms.

MP Rosemarijn Dral from the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy urged stronger enforcement, citing findings that players are turning to illegal platforms due to restrictions on licensed sites. “Players are not being offered proper protection,” she warned.

Peter Smitskam of the Party for Freedom echoed these concerns, noting that enforcement could improve consumer safety and boost tax revenues. He also warned that further restrictions without adequate enforcement could attract even more unlicensed operators.

Role of Tech Platforms Under Scrutiny

MP Marieke Wijen-Nass of the Farmer–Citizen Movement highlighted the role of search engines and tech companies in facilitating illegal gambling. She referenced an estimate that Google earns approximately €20 million annually from ads for unlicensed online casinos. “These platforms must be made aware of the dangers posed to consumers,” she said.

Wijen-Nass also addressed the potential for applying differentiated tax rates across gambling categories, a topic currently under review by the Dutch government.

Task Force Proposal Gains Momentum

Calls for a dedicated task force to combat illegal gambling gained traction during the session. Several trade organizations have reportedly voiced support for this approach. MP Dral backed the idea, and Struycken confirmed that internal discussions on establishing such a task force are already underway.

The debate builds on recommendations gathered during a recent stakeholder roundtable, where industry representatives presented proposals for the updated Remote Gambling Act. The revised bill is expected to reach parliament before the end of 2024, with further reforms anticipated through 2027.

Struycken reaffirmed that licensing reform remains the government’s priority, stating that “the vast majority of the obligations we will enforce are related to the licensing structure.”