Online casinos in the Netherlands: KSA regulation

Online casinos in the Netherlands: KSA regulation (full text)

1) Regulatory framework and participant roles

The Dutch online market operates under the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Koa) with centralized supervision Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). Operators need national licenses and full RG/AML compliance, including identification, behavioral risk monitoring, and connectivity to government systems. The purpose of KOA is to take players from offshore to a legal environment with the control of honesty and consumer protection.

2) Mandatory systems: CRUKS and CDB

CRUKS - central register of self-exclusion: a player entered in the register is not allowed to any licensed operator for at least 6 months (longer periods are available, including permanent exclusion). Connection to CRUKS is a licensing requirement for online casinos and land-based facilities.

CDB (Control Database/" data safe ") is a secure channel and data model through which licensed operators transmit regulatory events (rates/sessions/RG triggers) to KSA. In 2025, KSA announced increased oversight of CDB data correctness and completeness.

3) Duty of care and player protection

KSA in 2024-2025. tightened the approach to early intervention: operators are required to identify signs of excessive play (frequency, duration, growth of deposits), record "contact moments" with the player and document actions (limits, timeouts, locks). Supervision over the implementation of these rules in 2025 has been further strengthened.

4) What is allowed online and basic requirements

Online casinos (slots, tables, live formats), poker and betting are allowed - only for operators with a KSA license. Mandatory: age/personality verification before playing for money, behavioral monitoring, self-control tools (deposit/loss/time limits), integration with CRUKS and CDB, logging and reporting.

5) Advertising and sponsorship: what has changed

From July 1, 2023, there is a ban on non-targeted advertising of online gambling (TV, radio, outdoor, etc.).

From July 1, 2025, a complete ban on sports sponsorship by gambling operators was introduced; KSA announced enhanced enforcement.

6) Taxes in 2025-2026: What's important to count

From January 1, 2025, the cansspelbelasting rate for operators has been increased from 30.5% to 34.2% GGR, and from January 1, 2026, the next step is provided to 37.8% GGR. According to industry and KSA estimates, the increase is already affecting demand margins and sewers; nevertheless, it is the operator who pays this tax, and not an ordinary player from a licensed brand.

7) Practical consequences for product and economy

Economy: high GGR tax + compliance costs (CRUKS/CDB, duty of care, reporting) put pressure on bonus policies and margins - operators more often redraw RTP, limits and CRM accents.

UX and RG design: "slow" interface with reality checks, deposit/loss thresholds, and mandatory pauses, plus rapid support intervention scenarios at risk.

Enforcement: KSA systematically strengthens controls - from CDB data to compliance with advertising and sponsorship bans.

Roadmap for the operator

1. License and structure: legal entity, bank guarantee, RG/AML policies, appointment of persons in charge, audit plans.

2. Technique: platform/game certification, integration with CRUKS and CDB, setting up RG events/triggers and reporting streams.

3. Duty of care: early intervention scenarios, logging "contact moments," team training; regular self-audit on new KSA guidelines.

4. Marketing compliance: prohibition of non-targeted advertising and sports sponsorship, strict rules for creatives and affiliates.

5. Finmodel: recalculate the unit economy at 34.2% GGR (2025) and 37.8% (from 2026), optimize the portfolio of games/bonuses/RTP and the cost of payment channels.

Player FAQ

Can I play online slots legally?

Yes - only for operators with a KSA license; age checks and CRUKS are mandatory.

What is CRUKS and how much does it block?

It is a national base of self-exclusion; minimum term - 6 months, there are longer options.

Why is there less advertising and sponsorship?

From 2023, non-targeted advertising is prohibited, and from 2025 - sports sponsorship by gambling brands.

Do I need to pay tax on online winnings?

When playing with a licensed operator, the operator pays the tax through kansspelbelasting; the player usually does not have a separate personal income tax for such wins.

The Netherlands has built a tough but understandable model: a KSA license under KOA law, mandatory CRUKS and CDB, enhanced duty of care, a ban on untargeted advertising and sports sponsorship, and a high fiscal burden on GGR. For operators, this is a market about strict compliance and accurate economics; for players - a legal, controlled and protected environment with quick self-control tools.