KSA: Underage Gambling Largely Confined to Unlicensed Sites

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has said that minors accessing gambling platforms is occurring “almost exclusively” on unlicensed sites, following an investigation which found licensed operators are largely meeting age and identity verification requirements.

The regulator launched its probe last year after receiving indications that underage access may have been possible with some licensed providers. However, after examining registration processes, as well as identity and bank account verification checks, the KSA reported there are “virtually no serious irregularities” among licensed brands.

New Technical Guidance Introduced

In a “very limited number of cases,” the study found that players sharing the same initials were able to use another person’s bank account or link their own account to someone else’s profile.

When questioned, licensed operators said there was no straightforward fix. In response, the KSA has now issued updated technical guidance to address these edge cases.

Illegal Market Remains the Key Concern

KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen stated that gambling by minors “hardly ever occurs among licensed providers, but we do have clear indications that it is happening nonetheless.”

“This is likely on the illegal market,” he added.

“Illegal providers often apply no or low standards for age verification and advertise specifically targeting this young demographic, for example via TikTok.

“This is extremely harmful, and the KSA is therefore working hard to combat the illegal supply. We are also placing a stronger focus on educating minors to make them aware of the risks of gambling.”