The KSA has rolled out its “regulator 2.” method, providing operators with increased backing, while many involved in the sector demand more action from banks and tech giants to fight the black market. In the Netherlands, the gambling authority has started a new phase of working together with the industry, yet it warns the sector must self-regulate or risk facing heavy rules like a possible blanket ad ban.

At the Gaming in Holland Conference 2025, Renske Fikkers, who leads the KSA’s regulatory department, shared that the regulator wants people to stop viewing it as distant or only focused on punishments and penalties. Fikkers explained at the event that “regulator 2.” is about making the agency more open, encouraging problem-solving through a less rigid and more flexible setup. She pointed out that sometimes rules require flexibility, and unforeseen questions or challenges may arise after rules are put into practice.

KSA Warns of Possible Total Gambling Ad Ban Amid Push for Stricter Compliance and Industry Collaboration

Fikkers mentioned that having straightforward talks helps strengthen the rules, and also stressed that operators can now expect to interact with the regulator more often. Whenever the KSA notices issues or feels something is unclear, Fikkers said they reach out for direct discussions right away. But Fikkers also delivered a strong warning: if player protection rules are not properly followed, the regulator might have to introduce a full ban on all gambling advertising.

She made it clear that breaking advertising rules must stop, and if such breaches continue, then a complete advertising ban may become a real possibility, which KSA would rather avoid. Back in May, the regulator told sports organizers not to allow gambling sponsorships, before such deals are banned from July onwards. Fikkers said that when the next round of license applications happens in 2026, the KSA will consider the full track record, including both positive and negative facts.

According to her, the regulator has already begun meeting with industry bodies to discuss the expected difficulties with the new license applications. She emphasized the KSA wants a shared process for licensing to make things easier for both sides. VNLOK, the main Dutch gambling trade group, also said at the Holland gaming conference this week that banks and tech companies must help more with stopping illegal gambling.

Dutch Gambling Leaders Call for Unified Crackdown on Illegal Operators and Greater Tech Industry Accountability

Björn Fuchs, the VNLOK leader, stated it will take more than just updated rules or tougher enforcement for the digital black market to be closed off. In his view, it’s vital for firms like Google, Facebook, and banks to step up and deny any support to illegal gambling sites. Fuchs insisted these advanced companies have enough know-how and resources to block illegal operators targeting people in the Netherlands.

Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij (the national lottery), agreed and called on banks and key tech platforms to use their strength to fight illegal gambling websites. “We must work together — regulators, businesses, banks, online platforms, payment firms, and web hosts. Only together can we effectively fight illegal gambling,” said Blok. Blok further argued the KSA should get more power, such as blacklisting illegal sites, stopping ads, removing unlicensed casinos from app stores, and cutting off their payment links. Blok added that the regulator also needs the authority to act against internet hosts that allow illegal betting sites to run.

He mentioned the Dutch Lottery’s own legal steps, including a lawsuit against the Costa Rica-based company Lalabet, trying to block it from the local market. “We need this site shut down, for good. It is not acceptable for this operator to return just by changing its name or website,” Blok insisted. The Dutch regulator had, in April, already fined and warned Casbit, which used to operate Lalabet in the Netherlands. Blok revealed Nederlandse Loterij is now also planning court action against another illegal betting operator active in the market currently.