Netherlands Online Gambling Law 2026
Remote Gambling Act (KOA) · Kansspelautoriteit · CRUKS · 2026 Tax
Quick Take
- Under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), in force since 1 October 2021, only operators licensed by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) may offer online gambling in the Netherlands.
- The gambling tax rose to 37.8% on 1 January 2026, up from 34.2% in 2025, and the first five-year licences reached their expiry date on 1 October 2026.
- Operators must contact young players who want higher deposit limits and check affordability above set monthly deposit thresholds.
📌 Informational guide: this page explains the law in Netherlands. Cocktailspins does not list, rank or link to gambling operators for players in Netherlands. Rules change — follow updates in our Regulation Tracker.
The Licensed Market
The Netherlands opened a regulated online market on 1 October 2021 under the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand, KOA). Only operators licensed by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) may offer online casino games or betting to Dutch players, and the KSA fines unlicensed operators that target them. The first five-year licences were due to expire on 1 October 2026, putting renewals on the agenda, and new policy rules from 1 January 2026 require applicants to submit an exit plan and an anti-money-laundering risk analysis.
Tax
Operators pay gambling tax on their gross gaming revenue. The rate rose to 34.2% in 2025 and to 37.8% on 1 January 2026.
Deposit Limits and Affordability
Rules introduced in October 2024 tightened checks on how much players deposit. Operators must contact players aged 18–24 who want a monthly deposit limit above €150 and players aged 25 and over who want €350 or more, and must verify affordability when net deposits pass €300 a month (ages 18–24) or €700 (25+). The KSA reported that average losses per account fell, but also acknowledged that some heavy gamblers may be turning to illegal operators. It put channelisation — the share of play in the licensed market — at 93% in 2025.
Advertising and CRUKS
Untargeted gambling advertising on TV, radio, outdoor and in public spaces has been banned since July 2023. CRUKS, the central exclusion register, lets players exclude themselves from all licensed gambling for at least six months, and licensed operators must check it before letting anyone play.
Crypto
The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) applies: crypto-asset service providers need authorisation from a national regulator, and the transitional periods for firms operating under older national rules ended by 1 July 2026 at the latest. In the Netherlands, the AFM authorises crypto-asset service providers. For how stablecoin transfers work, see our USDT TRC20 explainer.
Our Position and Help
For players in the Netherlands, this page covers the law and the licensed market only; we do not promote operators without a KSA licence. Loket Kansspel offers free, anonymous advice, and our Responsible Gambling Score explains what good player protection looks like.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, with operators licensed by the Kansspelautoriteit under the Remote Gambling Act, in force since 1 October 2021.
What is the Dutch gambling tax in 2026?
37.8% of gross gaming revenue from 1 January 2026, up from 34.2% in 2025.
What is CRUKS?
The central exclusion register. Players can exclude themselves from all licensed gambling for at least six months.
Are there deposit limits for Dutch players?
Operators must contact young players seeking higher limits and check affordability when monthly net deposits pass €300 (ages 18–24) or €700 (25+).