Gambling Industry Overview in Netherlands
The following approaches will be presented
- Gambling legislation in Netherlands
- Gambling authorities in Netherlands
- Online casinos in Netherlands
- and more
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Tight control over the gambling sector is imposed by the Government of the Netherlands within the boundaries of the country, however, the country is looking to liberalize its market in order to control the use of foreign providers. Currently, its gambling scene is monopolized by Holland Casino.
Founded in 1975, the Dutch state-owned company has fourteen casinos located throughout the country, from Amsterdam to Zandvoort, the profits from which go directly to the Dutch treasury. The casino in Zandvoort was the first to open, on October 1, 1976, while the Amsterdam casino is the largest.
As liberal as the country is on other hot-button issues, it wasn't until 2019 that legislation, Remote Gaming Act, paving the way for igaming regulation was finally passed by the upper house of the Netherlands legislature, the senate. That's after being first introduced in the House of Representatives in 2014 and subsequently passed by the House in 2016, and spent more than two years languishing in the Senate.
The Remote Gaming Act was due to come into force from July 1, 2020, however, in November, the Dutch gambling regulator the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) announced that the target date for entry into force January 1, 2021, with the online gaming and betting market expected to open six months afterward. The KSA expects to award up to 90 licenses when the market opens.
Until then, online games of chance are prohibited in the Netherlands.
Popular Online Casinos
There are a large number of web platforms that accept bets from Dutch residents. Below is a spattering of them, all of which are popular due to the variety of games they provide. Players can also take advantage of different bonuses and loyal programs. Last but not least, all of these casinos accept different payment options that can help players choose the most suitable way to top up their gaming account.
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Overview
While policies in the Netherlands are often associated with more relaxed laws, when it comes to gambling, and especially online operations, the country’s tolerance has been virtually non-existent.
The Netherlands is not entirely liberal when it comes to online gambling. The government, however, managed to restrict online poker betting which is less popular in the Netherlands compared to other European countries. This is mainly due to the fact that the government enforced aggressive measures to restrict players from competing in online poker tournaments. The country has proclaimed some games of chance are illegal due to their risk of “unfair play”.
The situation with the gambling legislation of the country is quite interesting, because of the fact that it includes the Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority that is located on the territory of the Netherlands Antilles.
Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority
Curacao is an island located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Dutch Caribbean. In October 2010, the region was proclaimed as a constituent country within the kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch Caribbean contains six island territories of the Kingdom of Netherlands. They are located in the Caribbean even though they abide by Dutch law. Those six islands are Curacao, Aruba, Saint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Online gambling is currently legal in Aruba and Curacao while there is no legal framework for Saint Maarten. Remote gambling is prohibited in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Curacao is well-known as a part of the best regulators of web-based gambling services.
The Curacao Licensing Authority was established more than two decades ago, which makes it one of the earliest regulators of e-gaming activities and services. With the disintegration of the regulatory legislation in the region from the Gaming Control Board of Curacao, web-based gaming turned into a major industry for the region.
The Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority has been pronounced by the local Justice Department as the authority that grants licenses to operators in the region. There is no need for companies to apply for various licenses. Currently, Curacao provides a single license that includes all types of games of chance, skill, and sports betting. The license in question is also applicable when it comes to casino operators and software providers.
In order to receive a license from the Curacao Gaming Commission, the company must meet certain requirements. Before applying for the license, the company must be registered under the Netherlands Antilles Chamber of Commerce as a legal entity. It does not matter whether it is an offshore or local company. After that, the company goes through a thorough check-up carried out by the Curacao Department of Justice. It usually takes about 6 weeks for the complete investigation of the company. Once the check-up is done, the company receives a provisional license. A great number of services and activities related to managing gaming licenses, as well as the hosting services and IT framework is currently offered by the Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority.
The Curacao Internet Gambling Association
The Curacao Internet Gambling Association (also known under the abbreviation CIGA) is fully focused on the online gambling industry in the region. The Association puts all its efforts into representing its members in the local Government, as well as in offering some help when it comes to planning and coordination of legislative matters. The members of CIGA are all certified and meet the licensing requirements of the code.
In addition, the work of CIGA’s members is monitored by the Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority in order to make sure they operate in correspondence with the service and customers’ standards of the region. A thorough audit trail must be kept by the Association’s members for every customer making a deposit that includes any financial transactions related to gambling activities and individual bets.
There are two types of licenses that can be issued by Curacao: a master license and a sub-license. Companies that hold the first type of license are authorized to sub-license third parties.
Relevant Gambling Legislation in the Netherlands
From April 2012, gambling activities and services in the Netherlands have been under the monitoring, control, and regulation of the agency called Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The regulatory functions of the KSA include not only licensing, but also compliance and investigating any violations of the Dutch Gambling Act of 1964, which until the Remote Gaming Act is implemented, is still the main law related to these matters in the country.
Under this Act, only one license for land-based casino operations has been issued and that was to the Dutch state-owned Holland Casino. It does not cover online gambling at all, nor does it offer any provision to issue licenses, and therefore, none are issued.
As of August 2020, it is still illegal to offer ‘online games of chance’ to players based in the Netherlands. Despite that fact, Dutch players gamble at hundreds of offshore operators without incident and generate substantial revenue from online casino gamine and other verticals such as poker and sports betting. It is not, however, illegal for Dutch players to engage at these sites. Players do not face prosecution, and worst-case scenario, face losing their deposit if the site is blocked.
The licensing procedures are supervised by the local municipalities. The latter also controls the gambling services carried out in the different regions of the country, including the monitoring of gambling machines that are located in public houses.
The KSA operates under the hat of the Government of the Netherlands, but it still has the specifications of a sovereign administration. The authority played an important role in the preparations for the launch of the legal framework that is to include the online gambling licenses’ distribution.
When it comes to the criminal prosecution of any violations related to gambling activities on the territory of the country, the authority for such actions is given to the Public Prosecutor. The eventual penalties in cases of violation are also described by law.
The Dutch Remote Gambling Act
In 2014, the Remote Gaming Act was first introduced in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the bicameral parliament of the Netherlands, and was passed by that body in 2016. After languishing in the Senate (the upper house), the legislation finally passed in 2019 paving the way for igaming regulation.
The Remote Gaming Act was due to come into force from July 1, 2020, however, in November, the Dutch gambling regulator, KSA, announced that the target date for entry into force January 1, 2021, with the online gaming and betting market expected to open six months afterward.
Commonly accepted reasons for the Dutch Gaming Authority's efforts for the new legislation include pressure from the European Union to bring a competitive and regulated online gambling structure to the country that is on par with other countries like the United Kingdom, which implemented a regulated online gambling regime in 2005. Another reason is the huge online gambling turnover being views as a revenue source by the Dutch government, which currently is flooding out of the country.
The Remote Gambling Act has two pillars, the first legalizes online games of chance, subject to stringent conditions. Second, it imposes additional requirements for addiction prevention. These requirements apply not only to online betting and gaming providers but also to casinos and amusement arcades.
The Act is the major online gambling law that sets the conditions for establishing remote or online gambling providers in the Netherlands. It comes as amendments to the Betting and Gaming Act, the Betting and Gaming Tax Act, and also some other acts that are related to the regulation of remotely-offered games of chance.
It was the Betting and Gaming Act that initially defined the remote games offered on the territory of the Netherlands. The Act described them as games of chance (luck) that are organized remotely thanks to electronic means of communication. According to the Betting and Gaming Act’s provisions, the remote games of chance include all games of chance offered via the Internet, television, or mobile devices.
The Act does not restrict the game types that may be offered on the Internet within the boundaries of the country. However, there are some subordinate rules that throw some light on the matter.
In July 2020, the Dutch government forwarded its Remote Gambling Act for review by the European Commission. The same week, the KSA published it’s Market Vision’ document, which outlines core requirements for new online gambling licensees and how it seeks to monitor operator practices and player interactions. While the Act was officially approved in February 2019, the mandate has been significantly revised since its adoption by the Dutch Upper House.
Some of the key conditions as of mid-2020 include, operators will be eligible for five-year licenses, with Dutch gambling regulator the KSA to make a final decision on applications within six months of their submission. Licenses will cover peer-to-peer casino games, such as poker, games where the players bet against the house, sports betting and betting on horse racing, excluding online lotteries. For sports betting, licensees may not offer odds on youth or amateur competitions, or on events that are considered easily manipulated.
According to the KSA, license applications for online games of chance may be submitted as soon as the Remote Gambling Act enters into force.
Online Gambling
The online gambling market in the country is estimated to gross substantial gaming revenue. According to some data gathered in a special investigation on the matter, a great deal of Dutch customers prefer to play casino games on the Internet, and their numbers continue to increase.
The Dutch government has not concentrated its efforts on blocking its citizens from betting on foreign websites. Still, at one point, the Government has made an attempt to block online players by blacklisting some websites and insisting that local banks not work with them. The banks, however, refused.
Currently, the rate of taxation is 30.1% across varying bases for the incumbents. Under the Remote Gaming Act, operators will be taxed at 29.1% of gross revenue, while another 1.5% would be levied to fund the activities of the KSA, and 0.5% would be levied to create a Responsible Gambling fund to rehab players inflicted with problem gambling.
The legal landscape of the online gambling industry in the Netherlands was poised to change dramatically in January 2015. The country was primarily focused on issuing licenses to some overseas competitors, which was considered to be the beginning of the end of the state’s monopoly on gambling.
On the other hand, the country’s government has set tight rules and guidelines which each online gambling operator was required to meet in order to gain a license from the Dutch state. This also meant that a lot of international gambling websites which do not hold a license issued by Kansspelautoriteit were no longer allowed to provide their services on the Dutch market.
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2023 Update
Since it became legal to gamble in online casinos in the second half of 2021, the number of active players on the Internet has been increasing. In this connection, there has also been an increase in gambling addiction. Finding a solution to this burning problem has become the top priority of those in charge of this sphere.
As stated, the most affected groups of players are between the ages of 18-24.
As a preventive measure, the Dutch government plans to ban the advertising of online gambling on television, radio, and frequented places in the cities like bus stations. This move, it is believed, will reduce the risk of gambling addiction among the younger population, responsive to the influence of the media.
At the moment, just over 20 companies have been granted the right to advertise online gambling content; the idea of the authorities is that, in some form, these companies retain the right to promote, but under much stricter conditions.
The new laws will also cover sponsorships; the regulation for the protection of vulnerable groups works to ensure that by July 2024, all television sponsorships are systematically excluded. The same applies to sponsors of sports clubs who have been given a deadline of 2025 to withdraw from the Dutch market.
This move is nothing new on the market; last year, famous athletes, especially football players, were banned from appearing in advertisements promoted by online gambling companies, taking into account the influence sports superstars have on young fans.
Popular Games
A lot of online casinos that Dutch players can join are powered by NetEnt. This company is well known for its innovative gaming solutions that can offer players a wonderful online betting experience. With numerous variations of slots, table games, and video poker, NetEnt is capable of providing gamblers with thrilling and rewarding adventures.
In addition to this provider, most of the online casinos that accept Dutch players are also powered by Microgaming and Playtech. If you are a fan of progressive slots, you have probably noticed that many of the most popular slots at the moment are designed by Microgaming. This company is a leading name on the interactive gambling scene and this can be seen in the quality of the sound and graphics of the games powered by this provider.
When it comes to classic casino games, Playtech surely knows how to present players with authentic and entertaining betting adventures. This software supplier provides gaming solutions with realistic graphics, user-friendly interface, and immersive sound effects.
No matter which virtual casino Dutch players choose, they are guaranteed to find a wide range of slots, classic table games as well as live dealer games.
Slots
Just as most landbased casinos, interactive betting platforms can also offer players a wide variety of slot games. Whether you are a fan of classic 3-reel slots or are looking for something more entertaining and rewarding such as 5-reel slots, you can be sure that you will be able to find both of these variations in every online casino that accepts players from the Netherlands.
Players can also test their luck on progressive slots. These games have an accumulative jackpot which is constantly growing with every bet that players make on the progressive slot. This means that you can try playing one of these games and win a massive prize. Experience the thrilling Immortal Romance or try to win the progressive jackpot of Mega Moolah, Hall of Gods, and many other popular slots. Do not miss your chance to enjoy a wide range of slot games that are available in the majority of Dutch-friendly virtual casinos.
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Table Games and Video Poker
As the popularity of online gambling in the Netherlands grows steadily, so does the variety of games. No matter which casino you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy a wide range of different table games. RTG is gaming software that is popular with its classy and exciting variations of roulette. Whether you are a fan of European, French, or even American roulette, you will definitely find a game that will suit your taste. Dutch online gamblers will be also able to find various versions of blackjack.
For players who love to try their luck but they still want to show some skills, there is a vast variety of video poker games. Aces or Faces, Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are a few options that video-poker lovers can find in Dutch-friendly interactive casinos.
| Game | Wild | Multihand |
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Live Dealer Games
Another great opportunity that Dutch players are offered when they bet online is playing live dealer games. This way virtual gamblers will have the chance to enjoy classic casino games from the comfort of their own homes. As there are quite a few virtual platforms powered by NetEnt, players can try the live-dealer variants provided by the company.
The high quality of the video and sound of the games can easily make players forget that they are not betting in a real brick-and-mortar casino.
Popular Deposit Methods
When choosing the virtual platform where you would like to play, you should pay attention to the payment options. The majority of Dutch-friendly casinos accept various deposit methods which help players to top up their account in a fast, easy and safe way.
Credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers are among the most commonly used payment options. Players from the Netherlands are guaranteed to find an easy and convenient way to upload funds to their gaming balance. There are also quite a few web platforms that accept payments via services used exclusively by Dutch gamblers.
iDEAL
The service provided by iDEAL is specifically created for Dutch consumers and allows players to use online banking to upload funds to their account. This method will allow gamblers to top up their casino balance immediately and play with real money in the web casino of their choice.
To make a deposit via iDEAL, players must first have an account in one of the following Dutch banks: Bunq, Knab, RegioBank, Triodos Bank, ASN Bank, ING, Rabobank, SNS Bank, Van Lanschot. When you want to make a deposit to your gaming account you should go to the cashier of the website, choose iDEAL as your payment method and you will be redirected to a page of your bank where you have to fill in the information about your bank account. After entering the amount you would like to deposit to your gaming balance, you should confirm the payment and your funds will be transferred to your casino account immediately.
Since iDEAL is not a payment service in itself but it rather helps Dutch players to make deposits via their bank accounts, players do not need to register at iDEAL. This allows fast and secure transactions for customers from the Netherlands.
Credit and Debit Cards
This is one of the most popular payment methods on many virtual platforms, including betting websites. This is why Dutch players can transfer funds to their gaming balance using their VISA or MasterCard debit and credit cards. This will allow them to make an instant deposit and play at the casino of their choice right away. Not only is this method stress-free but it is also very popular and you are guaranteed to find a platform that will accept payments via credit or debit cards.
If you choose this payment method as your preferred way to manage your casino funds, you will have to fill in your card information only the first time you initiate a transaction. During your next payments, all of your card data will be saved and it will take you next to no time to top up your balance.
Paysafecard
This option is well-suited for players who want to transfer their money in the safest way possible. Many players from the Netherlands, as well as other countries, opt for making a deposit via a prepaid card. This will allow them to be anonymous and avoid jeopardizing any sensitive information.
Dutch players can easily find these prepaid cards with a 16-number PIN in many stores across the country. Topping up your balance via Paysafecard is extremely easy and this is one of the reasons why so many virtual gamblers prefer to use it. Paysafe allows you to protect any sensitive information since you do not have to reveal any details about your credit, debit card, or bank account.
E-wallets
As e-wallets gain more and more popularity, a lot of players, including those from the Netherlands, can choose to make deposits to their casino accounts via services such as Neteller or Skrill. Those two companies have become a few of the most commonly used digital wallets which allow players to transfer money to their gaming balance in a fast and secure manner.
Both of the wallets require creating an account, however, the process does not take too long and it guarantees players that their money, as well as their sensitive data, is protected. Since both Neteller and Skrill are expanding the list with supported countries, more and more interactive casinos accept payments via these e-wallets.
Uploading funds to your gaming account using your e-wallet is instant and it helps you to make real-money bets once you have confirmed your deposit. Apart from the ease of use it provides, your e-wallet offers an exceptional level of security. Players can opt for a two-step authentication both with Neteller and Skrill. This will allow them to make transfers a lot more securely.
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The Netherlands is working on the full legalization of online betting in the country, with the Dutch Remote Gambling Act first introduced in the House of Representatives in 2014 and approved by the nation’s Upper House in February 2019. The bill is expected to come into effect in January 2021 with licensees permitted to go live from July 2021. However, due to the effects of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the launch may be delayed.
Currently, it is not illegal for Dutch players to gamble on international online casinos.
There is no need to worry about paying any taxes on your online winnings. The Government earns its revenue by imposing taxes on the interactive gambling platforms. However, things may change when the Dutch Remote Gambling Act comes into effect in Jan 2021. You’ll want to update yourself on the Netherlands’ new igaming policies at that time.
Yes. The majority of Dutch-friendly virtual casinos are absolutely safe. The platforms take measures to protect players’ personal details and all of the transactions are secured properly.
Yes. The majority of the interactive gambling platforms accept payments via credit cards and most of the Dutch-friendly websites will also allow players to top up their balance via iDEAL.
There are a few things that will allow players from the Netherlands to enjoy a wonderful virtual betting experience. The first thing to do is to check the casino’s variety of gaming options. You’ll want to choose a web platform that offers different variations of your favourite games. You should also check the payment options that are accepted by the online casino. Find a website that accepts the most convenient methods for you.
