The Netherlands is preparing to launch its own regulated market for online games, but operators wishing to obtain licenses will have to prove three years of operation with “good behavior”.
The “Remote Gambling” initiative promises to modernize the gaming market in the country, since online activities are still considered illegal.
The bill on online games was approved by the Senate in February last year and the expected date for interested parties to submit their applications is March 1, 2021.
The president of Kansspelautoriteit, René Jansen said that, once the orders are received, it can take up to six months before the regulated market for online games properly launches in the Netherlands. Created in 2012, Kansspelautoriteit is an independent governing body and regulator of games.
In addition, the local government has established several conditions for companies that intend to apply for their licenses. For example, operators need to affiliate with the Central Exclusion Register (CRUKS).
According to Kansspelautoriteit, companies will also “have a duty to monitor player activity and intervene if risky gambling behavior (such as betting large sums or playing for long periods) is observed or suspected”.
Operators must also establish a Control Database (CDB) containing current operational information with free access to the regulatory body.
In the coming months, Kansspelautoriteit will present more regulatory measures and information related to license applications in the Netherlands.
Gambling market in the Netherlands
Today, the Netherlands has a regulated offline gambling market, consisting of: 14 casinos (operated by Holland Casino), a state lottery, charity lotteries, sports betting, horse racing and private operators with 42,000 fighters -lots distributed in galleries, bars and restaurants.
As such, the current total turnover in the legal gambling sector is more than € 2 billion, but it is expected that this amount will grow from the launch of the online regulated market.
