With the start of 2026, the Dutch Gambling Authority is keeping itself busy. The regulator of the casino sector has recently published its new Supervision Agenda 2026.
In the new document, the Authority, also known as Kansspelautoriteit, has shared a stricter and more data-driven approach to its gambling regulation policy. The new agenda will put more effort into dealing with illegal gambling, protecting vulnerable demographics, and bolstering enforcement.
According to the watchdog, the rapid expansion in the gambling market, such as the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing momentum of illegal operators, is changing the complexity of oversight. That is why the KSA has reorganised its internal structure and sharpened its supervisory priorities for the coming year.
“The gambling market is evolving at high speed, and that requires a regulator that is agile and continuously alert. Our focus remains on a safe, reliable and responsible gambling market,” the KSA said in the agenda.
Crackdown on Illegal Gam bling
One of the key points of the regulator’s 2026 agenda is the battle against unregulated operators. The Authority seeks to ensure that at least 90% of the Dutch players continue to gamble on licensed casinos, while also reducing revenues going to unlicensed platforms.
As part of its plans for 2026, the KSA will put more effort into disrupting illegal online gambling by targeting the infrastructure that enables it. This will be done in close cooperation with payment services providers, social media platforms and international regulators. The objective is to utilise the tools of the EU Digital Services Act to combat illegal gambling content.
Additionally, the regulator vows to put more attention to the promotion of illegal gambling offerings by influencers, affiliate websites, and mainstream social media channels. The Authority wants to prevent such content from reaching minors and young adults.
When it comes to land-based casinos, KSA seeks to improve intelligence gathering, which could prevent gambling machines from entering unregulated markets, such as when casinos go bankrupt.
Focus on Minors and Young Adults
The protection of minors and young adults is also high on the 2026 agenda. Previously, the regulator has expressed concerns that underage players can still access regulated and unregulated gambling platforms. This is often done by using accounts belonging to adults, while on illegal platforms, sites regularly lack proper age verification.
In the agenda, KSA also explained that it will bolster the supervision of licensed operators, which would ensure appropriate protections for the demographic aged between 18 and 24. This is a group previously labelled as especially susceptible to risky gambling behaviour.
According to the latest data, analysts on the gambling patterns of young adults, habits can lead to additional regulatory measures. Also, awareness campaigns that target younger groups will also be expanded by the regulator.
“That minors and young adults are still coming into contact with gambling is worrying and calls for firm action,” the authority remarked in its 2026 agenda.
In the first months of 2026, the KSA will also debut its new consumer-oriented platform, branded Open over Gokken, which translates as ‘open about gambling.’ It’s designed to offer information on safe and responsible gambling, along with support for those who experience gambling-related issues.
Stricter Monitoring of Duty of Care
Furthermore, the regulator intends to monitor compliance with duty of care requirements more closely, especially in the online casino segment. This would include a review of how quickly operators analyse gambling behaviour, as well as intervening when risks are detected within a player and evaluating consumers’ financial capabilities.
The KSA has also shared that it will increase scrutiny of policies that may encourage excessive gambling. These can consist of behavioural nudges that encourage players to deposit more or play longer. Meanwhile, guidance on the use of artificial intelligence and monitoring tools by operators is expected to be published in 2026.
“Players must be able to gamble safely, and providers have a clear responsibility to prevent harm,” stated the Authority in its latest press release.
In late 2025, the regulator implemented a new duty of care guidance for physical casinos, which will be followed by ongoing inspections throughout the new 2026.
Advertising and AML Enforcement
Advertising compliance is also high on the list of key objectives for the new 2026. KSA will continue its zero-tolerance stance on the use of influencers and other internet personalities who try to promote gambling online. For instance, in October 2025, the agency fined Stiefunspeelt, Turcos, and Buurtwachtt for similar breaches.
Also, untargeted ads, including sports betting collaborations, will be closely observed by the regulator. As usual, the Authority will take quick action against violators.
Lastly, the KSA will tighten the supervision of compliance with anti-money laundering practices. The new AML legislation across the EU will expand the regulator’s responsibilities in 2026, which would include the monitoring of other market participants and fincnail sanctions. The Authority will soon provide updated guidance to help operators prepare for the changes.
With the issuance of the updated 2026 agenda, the gambling watchdog hits at a more assertive regulatory stance, which would combine data-driven analysis and cooperation with industry and international partners to manage the evolving risks in the local market.
