Netherlands New Coalition Betrays Liberal Values and Targets Gambling

The Netherlands new minority government has placed gambling policy back into the spotlight, outlining plans that could reshape the regulated market. A coalition agreement published on 30 January points toward a full ban on gambling advertising and possible limits on online licences.

The language in the agreement frames gambling as a sector requiring tighter oversight, aligning it with other legally permitted activities viewed as vulnerable to criminal abuse.

Good to Know

• The coalition agreement proposes a full ban on gambling advertising
• Online gambling licences could face new restrictions
• Industry groups warn of black market growth risks

How the Coalition Frames Gambling

In the agreement, the coalition compared online gambling to sex work, stressing shared exposure to crime and human trafficking.

The document stated:

“Online gambling and sex work are legal in the Netherlands, but they are also susceptible to crime and human trafficking. We want to protect vulnerable people in these sectors from profiteers.”

That framing marks a sharper tone than earlier reform efforts, even though gambling remains legal under Dutch law.

Who Forms the New Government

The coalition brings together three centrist parties. D66, the conservative Christian Democrats, and what was formerly considered right wing VVD. D66 and VVD were considered to be liberal but no seem to serve a different agenda than the foundations the parties were built upon.

No party secured a majority in the October snap election, which followed the collapse of the previous administration led by Dick Schoof.

After months of negotiations, the three party coalition unveiled a 67 page agreement last week. A new cabinet is expected to be sworn in later this month.

Reform Plans Left Hanging

Before the collapse, the prior government had committed to reform online gambling regulation and introduce a new Gambling Act by the end of 2025. Internal disputes over asylum policy ended that effort early, leaving regulatory changes unresolved.

Former State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken resigned in August alongside other cabinet members following blocked sanctions against Israel. Gambling oversight fell within his portfolio, and he had been leading reform initiatives before the government fell.

Those plans remained stalled until the new coalition published its agreement last week.

Industry Warns of Black Market Growth

Trade body VNLOK responded quickly to the advertising proposal, warning that a full ban could redirect players away from licensed operators.

In a statement published Friday, chairman Björn Fuchs said a total advertising ban would weaken existing policy, which is “deliberately designed around an open, regulated market with strict requirements for duty of care, advertising, and oversight”.

VNLOK pointed to data from Kansspelautoriteit showing rapid black market growth. In October, the regulator reported black market revenue surpassed legal market revenue during the first half of 2025.

Market Data Adds Pressure

Legal market gross gaming revenue reached €600 million in the first half of 2025. Six months earlier, the figure stood 16 percent higher at €697 million.

The regulator attributed part of the decline to new consumer protection rules, including a deposit limit aimed at reducing harm.

Those figures now sit at the center of the debate as lawmakers weigh tougher controls against market channelization.

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