The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has published new research showing that more than a third of new gambling accounts in the Netherlands are opened by people under the age of 24. The findings, drawn from three studies into the gambling behaviour of minors and young adults, also reveal that a significant share of 18-year-olds register on their birthday or within weeks of turning 18.
According to the KSA, 11 per cent of accounts opened by 18-year-olds were registered on their birthday itself, and 38 per cent were opened within a month of their 18th birthday. The regulator says the results highlight how young adults are particularly active in opening new gambling accounts as soon as they reach the legal gambling age.
The studies come as regulators across Europe increasingly focus on protecting younger players, who are seen as more vulnerable to gambling-related harm. Many jurisdictions have introduced stricter age verification checks and advertising restrictions aimed at preventing underage gambling and reducing exposure of young people to gambling marketing.
For players in the Netherlands, especially those under 24, these findings could lead to tighter checks when opening accounts or making deposits. The KSA may push for more robust identity verification to ensure that accounts are not opened on the exact day someone turns 18, and to monitor the behaviour of young adults more closely. Existing account holders may not see immediate changes, but new players could face additional steps to prove their age and identity.
It remains to be seen whether the KSA will introduce new rules or guidance based on these findings, and how operators will respond to any increased scrutiny of young adult accounts.