As the Dutch market sits at a pivotal crossroads, the importance of collaboration has never been so crucial.
Examining the state of the market, we spoke to Cristiano Blanco, CEO of Hard Rock Casino NL, who warned of the consequences of imposing significant limits on the regulated market at a time when the black market is merely a click away.
iGaming Expert: How important is it that we see collaboration between the iGaming sector and regulators to ensure a safe and sustainable sector?
Cristiano Blanco: Collaboration is absolutely essential. A safe and sustainable iGaming sector can only exist if regulators and operators work together, not against each other. By engaging in an open dialogue, we can address emerging risks proactively and refine regulations to match reality.
iGX: What steps can be taken to bring balance to the Dutch market’s regulatory framework, and why is it so important?
CB: This is almost a philosophical debate. In a highly restrictive regulatory framework like the Dutch one, balance is only achievable if there is also strong control over the unlicensed offering, something that is currently lacking.
Imposing limits when access to the black market is just one click away is counterproductive. These restrictions often make regulated play less appealing, as they strip away some of the features and excitement that players seek. The regulator often struggles to see that parity of offering, or at least the perceived appeal of the legal market compared to the illegal one, is essential for regulation to succeed.
In the Netherlands, the black market remains very strong, largely because of an aggressive regulatory approach that has yet to enforce meaningful action against unlicensed operators. This ultimately hurts the end user, who is just one click away from an uncontrolled, unsafe, but far more appealing gaming experience.
iGX: What do you believe the impact of raising the slots age from 18 to 21 will be? Could we see other European markets follow this lead?
CB: My answer here builds directly on the previous point. While it’s true that raising the age to 21 would reduce exposure of younger adults to gambling and could, in theory, have a positive impact on harm prevention statistics, there’s a critical flaw: the black market will still allow players over 18 to register freely. This means that a well-intentioned measure becomes counterproductive. By defining players between 18 and 21 as more vulnerable, otherwise the regulator wouldn’t raise the age limit, the framework effectively leaves this “more vulnerable” group entirely at the mercy of unlicensed operators.
These players will have zero protection, no responsible gambling tools, and no oversight. The regulated market’s statistics will undoubtedly look better, but the reality is that we will have shifted a segment of young adults straight into the arms of uncontrolled, unapproved products, putting not only their gaming experience but also their safety and well-being at risk.
My view is that other European markets will not follow. They’d evaluate whether age restrictions truly address the root causes of harm or if broader responsible gambling measures might be more effective, something that the Dutch regulator should do as well.
iGX: There was an admission from regulators that tax rises were an own goal in the Netherlands and had led to the growth of the market. What could we see done to bring back players from the black market?
CB: Tax policy directly impacts channelisation. To bring players back, the approach should combine: Competitive taxation that allows licensed operators to offer better value and entertainment. Strong enforcement against illegal sites, including payment blocking and advertising crackdowns.
Public awareness campaigns to educate players about the benefits of regulated play. Without competitive conditions, even the best safer gambling tools will be underutilised.
iGX: As the UK potentially looks to raise taxes, would you issue any warnings to the region’s governance over unintended consequences?
CB: Absolutely. The lesson from the Netherlands is clear: raising taxes without considering player migration risks can weaken the regulated sector. Once players move to the black market, they are harder to bring back, and the protection framework loses its effectiveness. Any fiscal change must be paired with strong enforcement and a realistic understanding of operator margins.
iGX: Why is it so crucial that markets implement a versatile toolbox to boost safer gambling frameworks?
CB: No single tool can address all forms of gambling-related harm. A versatile toolbox, including deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs, and self-exclusion, allows players to choose measures that fit their individual risk profile. Flexibility also lets operators respond to early warning signs in different ways, increasing the chances of timely intervention.
iGX: How can the industry end any stigma around players utilising the safer gambling toolbox?
CB: The key is normalisation. Safer gambling tools should be presented as standard features of the entertainment experience, not as “red flags” for problem behaviour.
Communication should focus on empowerment, “you control your play”, rather than restriction. Integrating these tools seamlessly into the product UI helps shift perception from punishment to personal choice.
iGX: Can you tell us what you are looking forward to learning at the SBC Summit in Lisbon?
CB: I’m looking forward to hearing fresh perspectives on regulatory adaptation, particularly from markets that are finding innovative ways to balance growth with player protection. Lisbon is also a great opportunity to exchange ideas with peers, and I love that side of the meeting with senior professionals at the conference.
Blanco is speaking at the upcoming SBC Summit 2025, SBC’s global flagship event, taking place at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena from 16–18 September. The summit will also host a six-track conference, a 135,000 square meter exhibition, the Affiliate Leaders Summit and Payment Expert Summit, plus a full schedule of evening networking events.
