Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has reported stronger integrity standards across the country’s licensed sportsbook sector, following its latest sweep of operator compliance.

The Authority reviewed risk analysis reports from four licensed betting providers to evaluate how effectively they identify, assess, and mitigate match-fixing risks linked to specific sporting events. 

The review followed alerts submitted to the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) concerning potential manipulation cases. According to the KSA, operators have improved internal controls compared to last year — a sign of rising compliance maturity across the Dutch market. 

However, the authority also identified areas still needing attention, including risk-identification precision, the robustness of mitigation measures, and mandatory reporting practices.

To maintain oversight, the KSA confirmed that it will continue to conduct unannounced audits of sports betting operators to ensure integrity standards remain consistent.

New skill-based licence framework

In a parallel move, the KSA has unveiled plans to launch a dedicated operating licence for skill-based gaming machines, a measure designed to modernise and simplify the country’s gambling regulation.

The new licence will apply to operators offering skill-based entertainment machines, such as pinball or arcade-style games that depend on player ability rather than luck and offer no cash prizes. These products have long been regulated under the same framework as traditional slot machines — a system the KSA now deems outdated given their low-risk profile.

The regulator stated that the reform will reduce administrative burdens and accelerate approvals for small and medium-sized operators, with a “shorter substantive review process” for limited licence applications. 

Guidance on the new process will be published in the coming weeks, while operators can already contact the KSA via [email protected].

Election outlook: Compliance tightening and higher taxes

The KSA’s updates come just days before the 29 October General Election, which will determine the direction of Dutch gambling policy for the next five years. The incoming coalition will inherit the politically sensitive task of overhauling the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) — reforms approved by the Tweede Kamer in April.

Regardless of the outcome, the market expects a tougher regulatory climate. Both conservative and left-leaning parties have expressed support for tighter compliance controls and stronger player-protection mandates, while showing no intention of reversing the planned GGR tax increase to 37.8% by 2026.

The measure is forecast to generate €200m in additional annual revenue between 2025 and 2028, but industry stakeholders warn that higher taxes could undermine channelisation and market competitiveness across the regulated Dutch sector.