KSA Calls for ‘Gambling Interpol’ to Fight Unlicensed Operators

The Netherlands Gambling Authority calls for the creation of Gambling Interpol for global combat against unlicensed operators.

The Netherlands Gambling Authority is taking things to the next level in the fight against unlicensed operators with the call for a Gaming Interpol.

The proposal was announced at the end of October by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) and covers the concerns that have increased over the cross-border nature of digital gambling.

With the overall difficulty regulators face in curbing unauthorised platforms, this can help relieve the stress and possible future problems.

Global cooperation required

KSA Chairman René Jansen has emphasised the urgency of the matter during a keynote speech at the European Gambling Regulators Summit in Brussels.

According to Jansen, illegal casinos are exploiting all jurisdictional gaps and technological loopholes to reach people around the world.

It has become a matter of international collaboration, and Jansen believes the best course of action would be a coordinated international response with an enforcement body that can cross borders and act decisively.

The organisation would run the same way as Interpol, sharing intelligence, organising joint investigations and acting.

There will also be a centralised database of blacklisted operators and suspicious entities to help all countries in identifying and blocking rogue platforms efficiently.

That way, players will be informed about which platforms they can trust and, if they are from the Netherlands, directed towards legal and safe Dutch online casinos.

Growing concerns about unlicensed gambling

The KSA is saying what everyone is thinking, as there are global issues with platforms that simply operate without the proper gambling licensing in place.

Targeting players within regulated markets through aggressive marketing and bonus offers. These operators are generally located in jurisdictions with tax oversight, which makes it even more difficult for regulators to take action.

Based on recent data from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), unlicensed gambling makes up about 20% of online wagers in EU countries.

It poses a significant threat to players as these sites have unfair game practices, are vulnerable to fraud and money laundering, and have little to no player protection in place.

According to Jansen, international cooperation is necessary if regulators want to quit playing ‘whack-a-mole’ with these illegal sites. Jansen states that shutting down one leads to two more popping up the very next day. It’s an endless race that only leads to frustration and very little result.

What does the industry have to say?

The proposal has sparked a debate across the gambling sector. Most licensed operators and trade associations are welcoming the idea, with the focus being on levelling the playing field and protecting players.

But there are critics who argue this would be costly and bureaucratic. Then there is the question of whether countries with divergent gambling laws and enforcement priorities would be able to collaborate and participate effectively.

Despite the range of concerns and questions, the KSA believes that the benefits will outweigh the challenges. Jansen states that they’re not suggesting a model that is one size fits all, but that a mechanism is needed to share intelligence and ensure rapid response.

What’s next?

The KSA will present a formal proposal to the European Commission and other international regulatory bodies early in 2026. The first discussions will focus on the scope, funding and running of the Gambling Interpol.

The Netherlands has also invited regulators from Australia, the UK, and Canada to take part in the talks. And in the meantime, the KSA is stepping up efforts in their own enforcement of Dutch gambling regulations.

A total of €2.5 million in fines was issued to offshore operators targeting Dutch players earlier this month. They also launched a public awareness campaign to warn against the risks of unlicensed gambling.

Do you enjoy this article?

Share your experience on Trustpilot

By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

Learn about our Review Process

Anything incorrect or missing?

Last updated: November 10, 2025

Let us know

Most Popular

Pragmatic Play's mega slot releases worth playing in 2026

Prediction markets are coming for iGaming, and Gen Z is already there. Expert insights included

Google has blocked over 270 million illegal gambling ads in 2025

Evoke agrees to a £243m William Hill takeover by Bally's Intralot

Ontario's market success sets the stage for Alberta's upcoming launch

{"3":{"n":"Games Global","i":"11-2025\/games-global-icon.png"},"4":{"n":"NetEnt","i":"netent-icon1.png"},"11":{"n":"Novomatic","i":"novomatic-icon-1.png"},"12":{"n":"Play'n GO","i":"play-n-go-icon1.png"},"13":{"n":"Big Time Gaming","i":"btg-icon-1.png"},"14":{"n":"Barcrest","i":"barcrest-icon-1.png"},"15":{"n":"WMS","i":"wms-icon-1.png"},"16":{"n":"NYX Interactive","i":"nyx-icon1.png"},"17":{"n":"NextGen Gaming","i":"nextgen-icon.png"},"18":{"n":"IGT","i":"igt-icon-1.png"},"19":{"n":"Yggdrasil","i":"yggdrasil-icon-1.png"},"20":{"n":"EGT Digital","i":"egt-digital-icon.png"},"21":{"n":"Betsoft","i":"Betsoft-icon.png"},"22":{"n":"Evolution","i":"evolution-icon-1.png"},"23":{"n":"Merkur Gaming","i":"merkur-gaming.png"},"24":{"n":"Thunderkick","i":"thunderkick-icon.png"},"27":{"n":"Aristocrat","i":"11-2025\/Aristocrat-gaming-icon.png"},"28":{"n":"Playtech","i":"Playtech.png"},"29":{"n":"Quickspin","i":"11-2025\/quickspin-icon.png"},"30":{"n":"Bally Gaming","i":"Bally-Gaming-icon.png"},"31":{"n":"Light & Wonder","i":"11-2025\/Light-and-Wonder-icon.png"},"34":{"n":"Pragmatic Play","i":"Pragmatic-Play-icon.png"},"35":{"n":"Push Gaming","i":"pushgaming-icon.png"},"36":{"n":"Relax Gaming","i":"relax-gaming-icon.png"},"37":{"n":"Hacksaw Gaming","i":"hacksaw-gaming-icon.png"},"38":{"n":"Nolimit City","i":"nolimit-city-icon (1).png"},"39":{"n":"Amatic","i":"amatic-icon(1).png"},"40":{"n":"BGaming","i":"BGaming-icon.png"},"41":{"n":"Blueprint Gaming","i":"blueprint-gaming-icon.png"},"42":{"n":"ELK Studios","i":"elk-studios-icon.png"},"43":{"n":"Ezugi","i":"ezugi-icon.png"},"44":{"n":"Gamomat","i":"gamomat-icon.png"},"45":{"n":"Habanero","i":"habanero-icon.png"},"46":{"n":"iSoftBet","i":"isoftbet-icon1.png"},"47":{"n":"Playson","i":"playson-icon.png"},"48":{"n":"Red Tiger Gaming","i":"redtiger-icon(1).png"},"49":{"n":"Wazdan","i":"wazdan-icon(1).png"},"50":{"n":"Amusnet","i":"amusnet-icon.png"}}

{"2":{"n":"VISA & Mastercard","i":"VISA-MasterCard-Icon-1.png"},"3":{"n":"Skrill","i":"Skrill-Icon-1.png"},"4":{"n":"Neteller","i":"Neteller-Icon-1.png"},"5":{"n":"Paysafecard","i":"Paysafecard-Icon-1.png"},"7":{"n":"Pay N Play","i":"Pay-N-Play-Icon-1.png"},"9":{"n":"iDebit Canada","i":"iDebit-Icon-1.png"},"10":{"n":"Entercash","i":"Entercash-Icon-1.png"},"11":{"n":"iDeal","i":"IDEAL-Icon-1.png"},"12":{"n":"Citadel","i":"Citadel-Icon-1.png"},"13":{"n":"Payz","i":"payz-icon.png"},"14":{"n":"Sofort","i":"sofort-icon-2.png"},"15":{"n":"Bank Transfer","i":"Bank-Transfer-Icon-1.png"},"16":{"n":"Zimpler","i":"zimpler-icon.png"},"17":{"n":"PayPal","i":"PayPal-Icon-1.png"},"18":{"n":"Apple Pay","i":"Apple-Pay-Icon-1.png"},"20":{"n":"Cheque","i":"Cheque-Icon-1.png"},"21":{"n":"Bitcoin","i":"Bitcoin-Icon-1.png"},"22":{"n":"Euteller","i":"Euteller-Icon-1.png"},"23":{"n":"Trustly","i":"Trustly-Icon1.png"},"24":{"n":"Instadebit Canada","i":"Instadebit-Icon-1.png"},"25":{"n":"UPI","i":"upi-icon.png"},"26":{"n":"RuPay","i":"RuPay-icon.png"},"27":{"n":"PayTM","i":"paytm-icon.png"},"28":{"n":"AstroPay","i":"astropay-icon.png"},"29":{"n":"Jeton","i":"jeton-icon.png"},"30":{"n":"MuchBetter","i":"muchbetter-icon.png"},"31":{"n":"Interac","i":"Interac-icon.png"},"32":{"n":"Swish","i":"Swish-icon.png"},"33":{"n":"POLi","i":"poli-icon.png"},"34":{"n":"Neosurf","i":"neosurf-icon.png"},"35":{"n":"Siirto","i":"Siirto-icon.png"},"36":{"n":"Coinbase","i":"coinbase-icon(1).png"},"37":{"n":"Binance","i":"Binance-icon(1).png"},"38":{"n":"Kraken","i":"kraken-icon.png"},"39":{"n":"Ethereum","i":"ethereum-icon(1).png"},"40":{"n":"Dogecoin","i":"dogecoin-icon.png"},"41":{"n":"Litecoin","i":"litecoin-icon.png"},"42":{"n":"MB WAY","i":"4-2026\/MB-Way-icon.png"},"43":{"n":"Multibanco","i":"4-2026\/Multibanco-icon.png"},"44":{"n":"Bizum","i":"5-2026\/Bizum-icon.png"}}

KSA calls for ‘Gambling Interpol’ to fight unlicensed operators

Global cooperation required

Growing concerns about unlicensed gambling

What does the industry have to say?