In the Netherlands, the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA, by its Dutch acronym) conducted an analysis to assess whether minors could register or bet on licensed platforms in the country, following reports suggesting possible failures in access controls.
Read more Brazil: report linking online gambling to debt questioned
Dutch legislation establishes that only those over 18 years old can participate in gambling, both in-person and online. Non-compliance with this rule carries severe regulatory consequences for operators.
Methodology: how the KSA analyzed the registration process
The KSA’s analysis focused on two key aspects of the onboarding process for new users on licensed betting sites: identity verification and linking of bank accounts. Both mechanisms serve as main filters to prevent underage individuals from completing registration and depositing funds.
Researchers simulated registration scenarios to evaluate the robustness of the controls implemented by licensees. The results indicated that there were practically no “serious violations” of current regulations and that it was “virtually impossible” for a minor to bet on a website with a Dutch license.
Operators apply strict controls, but a banking gap persists
Despite the overall positive assessment, the KSA identified a specific weak point. In a very small number of cases, players could use another person’s bank account or link their own account to that of a third party. This situation occurred almost exclusively when two people shared the same initials, a coincidence that automated verification systems did not always detect.
The authority acknowledged that operators did not have a specific technical solution to block this access route. Following this finding, the KSA announced it will organize technical sessions with platform providers to define clear expectations and establish minimum standards. Additionally, it will incorporate its recommendations as official guidelines in the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (Wwft).
The authority also noted that, thanks to transaction data it can request from banks, it has the capacity to conduct further investigations if deficiencies are detected in this area.
Read more Peru 2026: tight count, political tension, and a still uncertain runoff
Illegal gambling, the greatest risk for minors in the Netherlands
The president of the KSA, Michel Groothuizen, offered a clear interpretation of the data: although access of minors to regulated gambling is exceptional, there are clear indications that the problem is concentrated in the illegal market.
“The KSA is deeply concerned about underage gambling. Fortunately, it seems that this almost never occurs among license holders, but we have clear indications that it does happen, so it is probably the illegal market,” said Groothuizen.
Illegal providers apply very low or nonexistent age verification standards and specifically target young audiences through platforms like TikTok. In response, the KSA actively works to combat unregulated offerings and has intensified its education programs aimed at minors, with the goal of raising awareness about the risks associated with gambling.
The KSA pressures licensed operators over other non-compliances
The announcement about minors’ access came in a context of increased regulatory oversight. In recent months, the KSA has issued several warnings and binding orders against legal operators who failed to meet other license requirements.
Recently, an operating company was instructed to strengthen its anti-money laundering controls after non-compliances were detected, while another operator received a binding order due to deficiencies in its user protection policies.
These cases reflect that, while the Dutch licensing system offers strong guarantees in terms of protecting minors, the KSA maintains an active stance against any deviation from the standards required of its licensees.
Read more Buenos Aires implements mandatory digital payments in land-based gambling
