Netherlands Plans DNS Blocking Powers Against Unlicensed Gambling

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Altay Celikkaya

Content Manager

Updated: 08/09/26

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Dutch government is preparing legislation that would give authorities stronger tools to restrict access to unlicensed gambling websites. The proposal follows a gambling committee debate in the House of Representatives on 3 September 2026, where lawmakers discussed enforcement gaps affecting the regulated online market. The planned framework would include DNS blocking and broader action against businesses that enable unauthorised operators to reach Dutch customers. It is expected to enter consultation in early 2027 and is not yet law.

Dutch flag flying above historic buildings under a blue sky in the Netherlands

Regulation & Compliance

Key Takeaways From the Dutch DNS Blocking Plan

The government intends to consult on new DNS blocking legislation in early 2027.
The KSA does not currently have a general power to require internet providers to block foreign gambling domains.
Payment providers, affiliates, hosting companies and digital platforms could face clearer compliance duties.
The proposal remains subject to consultation, parliamentary scrutiny and possible amendment before enactment.

Government Targets the Infrastructure Behind Unlicensed Sites

During the Dutch parliamentary committee debate, lawmakers considered how the Kansspelautoriteit could act more effectively when offshore operators ignore penalties or remain difficult to reach. DNS blocking would allow access to specified domains to be restricted through internet service providers, subject to safeguards defined in the eventual bill.

The policy is designed to extend enforcement beyond gambling operators themselves. Banks and payment providers could be asked to interrupt transaction flows, while affiliates, hosting businesses, search engines and social media platforms could face stronger obligations to stop supporting unlicensed supply.

This direction builds on the Dutch cabinet’s wider online gambling reform package, which covers advertising, bonuses, deposit limits and stronger action against unauthorised operators.

Channelisation Data Strengthens the Case for Intervention

The debate reflects concern that player-based channelisation and revenue-based channelisation tell different stories. The KSA’s Spring 2026 monitoring report found that 91% of Dutch online gamblers used licensed websites, while licensed operators captured only 53% of gambling expenditure.

That gap suggests a relatively small group using unlicensed platforms may account for a disproportionately large share of spending. For licensed businesses, the planned approach could improve competitive conditions by applying pressure to offshore operators that avoid Dutch tax, duty-of-care and player-protection requirements.

DNS Blocking Would Add a New Enforcement Layer

DNS blocking would not remove an operator from the internet. It would create an access barrier for users connecting through participating Dutch providers. Its effectiveness would therefore depend on procedural speed, proportionality checks, domain monitoring and action against replacement websites.

A recent regional comparison is Denmark’s court-backed DNS blocking model, under which internet providers were ordered to restrict Polymarket and 97 other unlicensed gambling domains.

The Dutch proposal could ultimately combine domain restrictions with payment disruption and platform accountability. However, operators and service providers should treat it as planned legislation only. The consultation expected in early 2027 will determine the scope, safeguards and responsibilities before any enforcement power can take effect. Implementation timing will depend on legislative progress and institutional readiness across sectors.