Netherlands Sees Over 1 Million Active Gambling Accounts for the First Time

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has unveiled a report detailing the growth of online gambling in the country for 2023. Here’s a breakdown of the key insights.

Active Gambling Accounts Surpass 1 Million

For the first time in history, the number of active gambling accounts in the Netherlands hit 1 million by the end of last year. By the close of 2023, this figure had risen to 1.1 million, marking a 22% increase from the end of 2022. 

The KSA estimates that 726,000 citizens, or 5% of the country’s adult population, participated in iGaming during the second half of 2023.

Gross Gambling Revenue Up by 28%

The gross gambling revenue (GGR) in online gambling for the year reached €1.39 billion (approximately $1.5 billion), a 28% increase from 2022. However, the growth in GGR for the second half of the year was a mere 1% compared to January–June 2023.

Average Monthly Online Gaming Expenditure: €160–170

On the expenditure front, gamblers tightened their belts slightly over the year, with average monthly spending dipping from €170 ($185) in the first half to €160 ($174) in the second half. Despite this, the overall average spending for the latter half of 2023 was estimated at €958 ($1040).

Interestingly, the KSA’s report highlighted that a significant 22% of gaming accounts were held by young adults aged 18–23. Despite this demographic’s strong presence, they reportedly lost less in online games compared to their older counterparts.

Ban on Non-Targeted Gambling Advertising Proves Effective

The KSA also evaluated the impact of the ban on non-targeted gambling advertising, implemented in July 2023. The ban, which covers TV, radio, print media, and public places, appears to be effective. 

It has significantly curtailed new visits to gambling sites from audiences previously unfamiliar with online gambling. Yet, the ban seems to have left the iGaming industry unscathed, with no significant damage reported so far.