Dutch Regulator Reveals Concerning Data on Youth Gambling

New research from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, provides a more detailed look at how early exposure to gambling affects the way young people enter the regulated gaming market. Some of the data is especially concerning, as it shows that almost half of all gambling accounts opened by people in the Netherlands are from people who have just reached the legal gambling age. Many New Users Jump Directly to iGaming The KSA’s research focused on gambling by young adults during the initial three months after they sign up with a licensed online operator. The authority’s report also used separate studies examining how students and minors are exposed to gambling before they turn 18. One of the KSA’s main challenges is to ensure that this early exposure does not lead to gambling harm. According to the report, 41% of new accounts opened by users between 18 and 24 were registered to 18-year-olds. Curiously, many of these profiles were created around the user’s 18th birthday, showing that reaching the legal age can quickly translate into online gambling. However, 18-year-olds also wagered the lowest average amounts in this age group. This research also contradicts the generally accepted notion that sports betting helps channel younger players toward iGaming. Previous KSA reports identified sports wagering as a possible gateway to other forms of gambling. However, the newest data found that casino games were the most common entry point for young adults. Underage Exposure to Gambling Could Lead to Harm A related Youngworks study commissioned by the KSA found that children often encounter gambling before they reach the legal gambling age. They might receive scratch cards as gifts or gain access to relatives’ gambling accounts. Such experiences are often framed as a form of social entertainment and can appear harmless, especially if gambling is widely accepted in their social circle. Gambling is often a group activity that is considered harmless by young people. The social aspect, such as playing poker with friends or placing sports bets together, plays a major role in this. KSA statement The situation among students between 12 and 18 is also concerning. In a third study, 28% of interviewed youth admitted to gambling in the last year. Scratch cards, bingo, and gaming machines were the most common types. The KSA warns that the normalization of gambling remains a critical issue. Many young people see it as a normal part of their environment without realizing the inherent dangers. This newest data reaffirms the KSA’s 2026 priorities. The regulator remains committed to protecting vulnerable groups such as children and is considering additional safeguards to help keep them safe. The KSA’s agenda also focuses on disrupting illegal gambling operators, which often lack proper age verification and consumer protections, making them even more dangerous.