The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has concluded its investigation into how minors might access online gambling despite age restrictions, finding that underage participation at licensed operators occurs only in exceptional circumstances.
The Dutch gambling authority launched the investigation in 2025 following signals that minors could potentially create accounts with legal online gambling providers, despite Netherlands law prohibiting underage gambling entirely.
Investigation Methodology
The KSA examined registration processes at online gambling operators, focusing specifically on identity verification and bank account validation procedures. The authority obtained transaction data from banks to conduct deeper analysis of potential compliance gaps.
The investigation revealed no serious violations across licensed operators. However, the KSA identified very limited cases where players could use others' bank accounts or link personal accounts to different players' profiles.
"This could occur almost exclusively in situations where people have exactly the same initials."
— Kansspelautoriteit (KSA)
When minors did circumvent age restrictions, this primarily happened through accounts belonging to adult family members and friends rather than system vulnerabilities.
Technical Solutions and Industry Response
Discussions with online gambling operators revealed they lacked immediate solutions for the identical initials issue. However, the KSA notes that technical solutions are now available and will host sessions with operators to discuss regulatory expectations.
The authority plans to share recommendations with licensed operators and incorporate new guidelines into its Wwft framework.
Identity Verification Standards
Licensed gambling operators in the Netherlands must implement multi-layered verification including document validation, biometric checks, and real-time database cross-referencing. The enhanced Wwft framework will likely require operators to implement additional fuzzy matching algorithms to prevent account creation by users with similar personal details.
Illegal Market Concerns
While licensed operators maintain robust protections, KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen highlighted broader concerns about illegal gambling access.
"This is Dutch text and should be translated to English"
— Kansspelautoriteit (KSA)
Regulatory Response Strategy
The findings demonstrate that underage gambling concerns primarily stem from illegal operators rather than licensed providers. Illegal operators often maintain minimal age verification standards while actively targeting young audiences through platforms like TikTok.
The KSA emphasises strengthened enforcement against illegal offerings alongside enhanced educational initiatives to inform minors about gambling risks.
According to KSA.
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