KSA Chair Groothuizen Proposes the Creation of a Gambling Interpol
Summary
KSA chair Michel Groothuizen used his IAGR 2025 appearance (21 October) to suggest forming an international regulator — dubbed a “gambling Interpol” — to tackle the growing cross‑border illegal gambling market. He framed the proposal around the Netherlands’ own struggles: regulation aimed to channel players to licensed operators but the open internet approach (no IP blocks) and strong player protections have hampered enforcement and market competitiveness. The Netherlands reports around 90% player channelisation but under 50% of gross gaming revenue is captured by licensed operators, indicating high spend on offshore sites. Groothuizen argued international co‑operation is essential and welcomed ongoing dialogue, while noting the Interpol concept remains at the proposal stage.
Key Points
- Groothuizen proposed creating a cross‑border enforcement body — a “gambling Interpol” — to oversee the black market in Europe and potentially beyond.
- The Netherlands introduced regulation mainly to counter offshore operators, but has struggled to remove illegal sites due to a policy favouring an open internet (no IP‑blocks).
- Current channelisation figures show ~90% of players use licensed sites, yet licensed operators capture under 50% of GGR — a small share of players on unregulated sites account for a large share of spend.
- KSA’s strict player protections and advertising restrictions (including a ban on untargeted ads) aim to reduce harm but may reduce licensed operators’ competitiveness and alienate high spenders.
- The Interpol idea highlights a wider industry push for international regulatory co‑operation, but practical design, legal powers and data‑sharing arrangements remain unresolved.
Context and relevance
This proposal matters because illicit, cross‑border gambling undermines consumer protection, taxes and licensed operators across multiple jurisdictions. Regulators are increasingly recognising that national responses alone are limited against offshore operators that exploit legal fragmentation and open‑internet policies. A coordinated enforcement body could improve intelligence sharing, harmonise enforcement actions and strengthen channelisation — but it would also raise legal, privacy and sovereignty questions. Operators, compliance teams and policy makers should track developments: the idea signals a shift towards more ambitious international co‑operation in gambling regulation.
Why should I read this?
Short and sharp: if you work in regulation, compliance or run an operator, this is the sort of idea that could change how the industry chases offshore sites. Groothuizen’s “gambling Interpol” is headline‑grabbing but practical — and it’s the kind of conversation that will shape enforcement and market dynamics going forward. Worth a skim to know where regulators are leaning.
Author style
Punchy: This proposal could reshape cross‑border enforcement — regulators and operators should pay attention and read the detail.