Dutch Regulator’s “Gambling Interpol” Vision — Big for Affiliates Too

That’s the future the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in the Netherlands is pushing for. At the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) 2025 conference in Toronto, KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen proposed the creation of a “Gambling Interpol” — an international enforcement network to combat the ever-growing illegal online gambling market.

What’s the idea?

Groothuizen described how unlicensed operators are now global-first, local‐after: using forgotten domains, high-SEO tricks, even school websites and bankrupt businesses to sidestep legal blocks in the Netherlands. The logic: a networked, global enforcement body could cut off these operators at more than one point — payment, tech, social media promotion and domain registration. He emphasised that national-only enforcement is now like fighting a multi-headed Hydra — cut one head, two grow.

Why this is major for affiliates

If you’re working in the iGaming affiliate world, this shift may change your landscape more than you realise. Here’s how:

• Enforcement becomes borderless. As illegal operators face stronger global enforcement, licensed operators may gain a stronger advantage—and they might value affiliates who stick with compliant, trackable traffic more than ever.
• Tracking and reputation matter even more. If illegal operators get cut off more effectively, the clean, compliant traffic you send becomes more valuable. Operators might prefer fewer but better‐quality affiliates.
• Marketing channels come under scrutiny. Illegal sites often exploit influencers, anonymous domains, sketchy promos. A Gambling Interpol means regulators may look upstream—at affiliates, promoter networks, ad-tech infrastructure—not just operators.
• Operator strategy may pivot. Licensed brands will want to demonstrate strong compliance, control over traffic sources and partnerships. Affiliates partnering with brands that show professionalism and regulatory awareness will likely gain favour.
• Risk diversification becomes smarter strategy. With enforcement intensifying, affiliates working with grey or unlicensed operators may find themselves at risk of being caught in collateral damage when regulators ramp up.

Bigger picture: European trend

This Dutch proposal is part of a wider shift across Europe. We’re seeing:

• Regulators requesting greater cross-border powers.
• Advertising and marketing rules tightening, especially around illegal operators.
• A growing push to make enforcement not just national, but connected across jurisdictions.

Final thought

In short: for affiliates, the message is — “Prepare now”. The regulatory net is being broadened. If your portfolio includes shady operators, anonymous domains or high-risk promos, the incoming global enforcement wave could catch you off guard. But if you partner smart, focus on compliance, build long-term operator relationships and prioritise quality traffic, you’ll be ahead.