According to iGamingBusiness, illegal gambling in the Netherlands has gone up since the introduction of deposit limits.
A report from the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KVA) shows that more players are shifting to unlicensed sites to avoid financial restrictions on legal operators.
KVA warns that instead of reducing gambling-related harm, these limits are driving players to riskier sites, as unregulated online casinos often allow higher deposits and bets. They also have fewer protection measures and lack responsible gambling tools, creating concerns for regulators and experts.
Regulators are facing difficult choices
With illegal gambling traffic going up, authorities must decide whether to tighten enforcement or review current policies. Some critics argue that strict deposit caps may be backfiring, pushing users into unsafe environments where gambling behavior is more difficult to track.
Policymakers are now reviewing possible solutions to curb black market growth. Suggestions include better enforcement against illegal sites and adjusting deposit limits to keep players within the regulated system.
KVA warns that without action, unlicensed operators could strengthen their hold on the market, making it even harder to protect Dutch players. Regulators now face pressure to protect consumers and maintain a competitive legal market.
