The gambling regulator in The Netherlands is raising concerns on the increasing number of athletes in the country who are betting on events involving themselves.
The country’s latest match-fixing report, compiled by Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), revealed 12 reports of match-fixing from nine gambling licence holders in 2025, down one from last year. However, four instances involved athletes betting on their own team, of which there were no reports last year.
KSA to focus on education
In each case of an individual betting on their own team, the licensed operator says it acted rapidly, addressing the risk by voiding the wagers. In some instances, operators also closed the players’ accounts. The regulator additionally notified the relevant sports federations so they could consider extra disciplinary measures.
As a result of what the regulator sees as an alarming trend, the KSA says itis investing in more education around the seriousness of match manipulation.
Currently, the regulator works with sports organizations, player unions and athletes to raise awareness of rules that prohibit players from betting on competitions they participate in or have inside knowledge of. These efforts emphasize the legal and disciplinary consequences of match manipulation and conflicts of interest.
It also provides guidance to licensed betting operators on identifying suspicious betting patterns and reporting them to its Sports Betting Intelligence Unit. Through training, integrity guidelines and outreach, the regulator encourages operators to strengthen monitoring systems and risk analyses. Officials say expanding education across the sports and betting sectors is key to preventing manipulation before it occurs.
KSA to intensify illegal gambling crackdown
The match-fixing report comes off the back of a commitment by the regulator to tighten its control of illegal gambling. Last month, the KSA outlined its key priorities for 2026, pledging to intensify efforts to combat illegal gambling in the Netherlands. The plans were detailed in the regulator’s new Supervisory Agenda, which focuses on five strategic areas designed to strengthen oversight of the country’s gambling market.
KSA said it will support these goals by working more closely with licensed operators, regulators and industry stakeholders. The strategy also coincides with internal structural changes at the authority, including the creation of three new directorates covering player protection, permits and supervision, and digitalisation and operations.
A major priority will be tackling illegal gambling, particularly within the online market. The regulator plans to expand its supervisory capacity and collaborate with payment providers, social media platforms and hosting services to disrupt illegal operators. Its long-term objective is to ensure that 90% of players in the Netherlands use licensed gambling platforms.
Protecting vulnerable groups is another central focus. KSA said it will step up efforts to reduce gambling participation among minors and young adults, supported by data analysis and new awareness campaigns. This includes the launch of a consumer information platform called “Open About Gambling” and closer monitoring of operators’ duty-of-care obligations.
The regulator will also tighten oversight of advertising and financial compliance. This includes stricter enforcement against the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling adverts, as well as monitoring adherence to anti-money laundering laws. Officials said the measures aim to strengthen player protection while maintaining a safe and regulated gambling market.
Wiebe Ruttenberg named as new KSA board member
Meanwhile, Dutch gambling regulator the KSA has appointed Wiebe Ruttenberg as the newest member of its board. The appointment was announced by the State Secretary for Justice and Security.
Ruttenberg will oversee digital transformation at the regulator, reflecting a strategic push to strengthen the KSA’s technological capabilities. His role will focus on modernising oversight as the gambling market becomes increasingly digital.
He brings experience in financial supervision and cybersecurity, having previously held positions at the European Central Bank, De Nederlandsche Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
At the KSA, Ruttenberg will help develop a more data-driven and risk-based regulatory approach, including tools aimed at tackling illegal gambling operators that use emerging technologies.
KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen said: ““I am pleased with Wiebe’s arrival as a member of the Board, responsible for Digital Transformation. The rise of illegal gambling sites, cryptocurrencies, and AI applications are just a few examples that require the KSA to continue developing into a data-driven and risk-driven organization, with an innovative toolkit that allows it to tackle illegal operators in different ways,
“A key challenge in this regard is establishing collaborative relationships with public and private parties, including those within the financial sector. I am pleased that Wiebe, with his extensive knowledge of and experience with the financial sector, technological innovation, and European decision-making, brings the external perspective the KSA needs in this area.”
