With 1 January 2026 rapidly approaching, the Dutch gambling scene is gearing up for significant regulatory changes. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is introducing the Beleidsregels vergunningverlening kansspelen op afstand 2026 (BVRKOA 2026), i.e. policy rules for granting remote gambling licences. GamblingHolland.nl takes a look at what’s shifting — if you are or plan to be an operator, or just curious, here’s what you should know.

What are the BVRKOA 2026 changes?

These are some of the key changes in the policy:

New Requirements for All Applicants
From 1 January 2026, anyone applying for a new remote gambling licence (or renewal) must include:

• A document explaining how they will inform the KSA in a timely way of important changes in their business operations or policy. An exit plan: how they will wind down their game offerings if the licence ceases. Kansspelautoriteit+1A Wwft-risk analysis (i.e. risk under the “Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme” – anti-money laundering law) with their application.

Reliability / Credibility stricter tests
If an applicant has not complied with final or provisionally enforceable judgements from a Dutch court at the time of applying, then their reliability is questioned. It can be ground for refusal of the licence.

Special rules for licence renewal (Vervolgvergunning)
Operators who already hold a remote gambling licence will face an updated and separate renewal procedure. Among other things, KSA will re-evaluate:

• their addiction prevention policy (verslavingspreventiebeleid),
• their recruitment and advertising policy (wervings- en reclamebeleid),the integration with the Controledatabank (CDB) via a new integratietest.
• Dealing with past issues

If in the past 5 years an operator has committed errors or violations, the application must explain how those mistakes have been learned from and what measures are now in place to prevent recurrence. If KSA deems those explanations insufficient, then licence may be refused or conditions added.

Why these changes?

Licences granted in September 2021 are set to expire in October 2026. The new policy helps ensure that renewal is not automatic but takes into account performance, compliance, and improvements over licence period. The Dutch regulator aims for stronger oversight, more accountability, and better prevention of gambling-related harms (fraud, addiction, complaints). 

What this means in practice (and some challenges)
Operators will need to beef up internal compliance: exit planning, court-judgement tracking, AML risk assessments, transparent communication with KSA.
Some may find the renewal procedure burdensome, especially smaller operators who might lack the resources to document past missteps or deploy integratietests.

There’s risk that if requirements are strict and costly, some may drop out or reduce scale, possibly impacting market variety.

Final thoughts by GamblingHolland.nl

These changes are significant. They show the Netherlands is moving from a “soft supervision” phase toward more rigorous enforcement and accountability. If you’re an operator, now is the time to audit your policies. If you’re a player, the hope is safer offers and less shady behaviour. We’ll keep monitoring how the sector adapts  stay tuned to GamblingHolland.nl for guidance, commentary, and news.