TLDR Dutch MPs from across the political spectrum called for faster, tougher action against illegal gambling sites during a Thursday committee debate. The government is developing legislation for DNS blocking of illegal gambling websites, with a public consultation planned for early 2027. Justice State Secretary KT van Bruggen said Meta and Google are open to talks about illegal gambling ads on social media. Some lawmakers want the legal gambling age raised from 18 to 21, but the government wants to wait until the black market is under control first. SGP member Diederik van Dijk called for a full reversal of the Netherlands’ 2021 online gambling legalization and a total ban on gambling ads.
The Dutch House of Representatives held a three hour debate on the gambling sector on Thursday. Ten committee members took part, representing parties from across the political spectrum.
Lawmakers reviewed research papers, sector reports, and a letter from Justice State Secretary KT van Bruggen dated April 2026. That letter noted that channelisation, the share of players using licensed sites, had dropped below 50 percent.
Despite disagreements on other topics, most parties agreed on one thing. The illegal gambling market needs stronger enforcement.
Government Targets Illegal Operators and Big Tech
Members from parties including ChristenUnie, PRO, and SGP asked the government to block illegal gambling websites faster. They compared this to how the government already blocks sites linked to terrorism and child abuse material.
Van Bruggen confirmed the cabinet is working on legislation for DNS blocking. A public consultation on this plan is expected in early 2027.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about illegal gambling ads spreading across social media platforms. The gambling sector has already taken legal action against Meta over this issue.
Van Bruggen said Meta and Google have shown willingness to discuss the