The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has promoted the idea of an international regulatory body for gambling akin to Interpol. The idea was mentioned by KSA chair Michel Groothuizen at IAGR 2025, which took place on October 21.
The Netherlands Has Struggled to Stop the Black Market
As the global gaming industry continues to experience unprecedented growth, concerns about the persistent black market remain relevant. Whereas modern regulated markets have spared no effort in implementing robust player protections, their illegal counterparts play by no such rules and, to top it all off, are detrimental to the economy.
In his speech, Groothuizen noted that one of the reasons why the Netherlands regulated online gambling was to counter the illegal gambling market. He explained that the regulation was a complex process that took years and involved many people. In addition to that, the Netherlands hoped that a regulated market would mitigate some of the gambling harm caused by offshore companies.
Groothuizen admitted that the Netherlands has mostly failed to tackle illegal gambling due to the country’s decision to protect the freedom of the internet and not take down illegal websites. While the KSA chair acknowledged the open internet intentions, he noted that the lack of IP blocks and other similar measures has inhibited the effectiveness of regulation.
Channelization Rates Show Concerning Data
The influx of new players, on the other hand, posed significant challenges to the Netherlands’ battle against problem gambling since more players led to more people experiencing harm. As a result, the Netherlands was forced to implement a variety of advertising restrictions. Including the ban on untargeted advertising.
While many, including some politicians, continue to call for a total ban on ads, Groothuizen said that his team doesn’t believe in such a measure. He added that making the legal industry less competitive can hurt the channelization rates.
For context, the Netherlands recently reported player channelization rates of 90% and GGR channelization rates of below 50%. These skewed results suggested that the 10% of players who play with unregulated companies spend 50% of the money, sparking a new wave of concerns.
Groothuizen added that some of the Netherlands’ stringent player protections have likewise been alienating some high spenders and creating tension in the licensed market.
Groothuizen Called for the Creation of a Gambling Interpol
Groothuizen admitted that some of the problems the Netherlands faces are not unique. He pointed out that the global illegal gambling sector is on the rise and that international cooperation between regulators is of paramount importance.
As a result, he proposed creating “a sort of gambling Interpol” that would oversee the black market in Europe and, at some point, maybe even the whole world. Groothuizen’s call for an international regulatory body echoes similar sentiments in favor of collaboration from across the industry.
While an Interpol for gambling is still only an idea, Groothuizen said that he is happy with the current dialogue within the international community of regulators.