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Dutch Online Gambling Accounts Rise to 1.48 Million in H1 2026

Dutch Online Gambling Accounts Rise to 1.48 Million – Regulator Attributes Growth to Limit Dodging

Key Takeaways

• Active online gambling accounts in the Netherlands reached 1.48 million in the first half of 2026.
• The Kansspelautoriteit suspects players are creating multiple accounts to evade mandatory monthly deposit limits.
• Gross gaming revenue for the Dutch online market dropped significantly to €1.2 billion in 2025 following regulatory changes.
• Sports betting revenue saw a sharp rebound in early 2026, accounting for 24% of the market share.

Account numbers surge as players bypass strict monthly deposit caps

The number of active online gambling accounts in the Netherlands experienced a noticeable increase during the first half of 2026. The total reached 1.48 million, up from 1.38 million in the second half of 2025. Young adults aged 18 to 23 accounted for 22% of all used accounts during this period.
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) estimates that around 820,000 unique individuals participated in online gambling at some point in the first six months of the year. The number of people who gamble occasionally remained stable at approximately 490,000 per month. The authority noted that the overall pool of occasional players has not increased significantly despite the rise in total accounts.
Regulators point to the men’s FIFA World Cup as one factor driving recent activity. Officials also warn that players are likely creating multiple accounts across different operators. This practice allows users to bypass strict deposit limits that the Netherlands implemented in October 2024. These mandatory safeguards cap monthly deposits at €350 for adults and €150 for young adults. Players who wish to set higher limits must contact their chosen operator directly.

Strict regulations and tax hikes push 2025 gaming revenue down

The KSA Market Scan for 2025 reveals a broad decline across the Dutch gambling sector. Total gross gaming revenue (GSR), which measures stakes minus prizes paid out, fell to €4.1 billion from €4.5 billion the previous year. The online sector absorbed the heaviest impact, with online GSR dropping to €1.2 billion from the €1.52 billion recorded in 2024.
Online casinos experienced a revenue drop of 18.2%, equating to a loss of €210 million. Online sports betting fell by 30.2%, stripping €110 million from the market. Regulators attribute this contraction to the introduction of strict duty of care rules, an increasing tax rate, and extensive bans on sponsorships and advertising over the past two years.
The tightening regulatory framework prompted many operators to exit the Dutch market entirely. The KSA confirmed an annual decline in the number of active online providers in 2025. Land-based operations also saw a mild contraction, with slot machine revenue in gambling halls and hospitality venues falling by 4.7%. The total number of gambling halls dipped slightly to 194 by the end of 2025.
State revenue from gambling taxes reached €1.05 billion in 2025. Land-based casinos contributed the largest share at 43%, followed by online casinos at 31%. Lotteries accounted for 15%, while online betting and land-based betting contributed 8% and 3%, respectively.

Sports betting captures a larger market share in early 2026

The online market showed signs of stabilization in the first half of 2026. Total online GSR stood at €670 million, marking an increase from the €602 million generated in the final six months of 2025. The distribution of revenue shifted slightly between casino gaming and sports betting.
Online casinos retained market dominance with a 73% share, generating about €492 million. This represents a slight percentage decrease from the 78% share they held in the previous half-year. Sports betting captured a 24% share of the market, translating to approximately €163 million. This marks an expansion from the 20% share recorded in late 2025.

Average player losses rise alongside stable channelisation rates

Financial data from the Spring 2026 Monitoring Report indicates an increase in average player spending. The average monthly loss per player climbed to €137 during the first half of 2026, up from €121 in the preceding six months. Treatment figures from the National Alcohol and Drugs Information System (LADIS) showed a 14% increase in individuals receiving help for a gambling addiction in 2025 compared to 2024.
Monitoring data from Ipsos presents a mixed picture of current player health. The number of individuals at high risk of gambling harm remained unchanged in early 2026. The low-risk category saw an increase in numbers, while the moderate-risk group decreased. Ipsos estimates that 65% of people who gamble online do so non-problematically.
The KSA reports that the regulated market continues to capture the vast majority of occasional players. Approximately 94% of people who gamble occasionally use licensed providers. Channelisation based on total gross gaming revenue experienced a slight upward trend, reaching 59% in early 2026 compared to 54% in late 2025.

Our Assessment

The latest data from the Dutch gaming authority illustrates the direct impact of stringent player protection rules on market dynamics. The €1.2 billion online revenue figure for 2025 reflects the financial toll of operator exits, increased taxes, and strict advertising bans. The market shows a partial recovery in 2026, driven in part by major sporting events that boosted betting volumes.
The rapid growth in account numbers highlights a functional vulnerability in the current regulatory framework. Players appear to be managing their exposure to monthly deposit limits by spreading their gambling activity across multiple licensed operators. The steady channelisation rate of 94% among occasional players indicates that users prefer licensed environments, even if they utilize multiple platforms to maintain their spending habits.