The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has updated its guidance on affordability checks for online gambling operators, introducing clearer rules on how companies must assess whether players can afford higher deposit limits.
The changes follow a review of licensed operators, which found that some companies were not applying financial means tests correctly. The regulator said the updated guidance is designed to remove uncertainty and improve player protection standards across the market.
Under rules introduced in October 2024, operators must carry out an affordability assessment when players reach certain monthly net deposit thresholds. The limit is €300 for young adults aged 18 to 24 and €700 for players aged 24 and above.
The KSA has now clarified that affordability checks must be based only on a player’s regular income. Other financial resources, including savings, gifts, bonuses and other one-off payments, cannot be used when deciding whether a customer can safely increase their spending limits.
The regulator said previous guidance had caused some confusion among operators, particularly around whether available savings could be counted as part of a player’s financial capacity. The revised examples of good and poor practice aim to create a more consistent approach.
The update comes after the KSA inspected 20 licensed gambling operators to evaluate how the measures were being implemented. While the authority noted improvements among many companies, it also identified several shortcomings. As a result, the regulator held 10 improvement discussions, issued three formal warnings and handed out one binding instruction.
The KSA stressed that the means test plays a key role in preventing customers from gambling beyond their financial limits and reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.
Further monitoring will continue, with the regulator planning additional checks to ensure operators comply with the updated requirements.