The Netherlands has issued ten new permits that will allow the recipients of these licenses to conduct online gaming that would include table games as well as slot machines. The Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA), on September 29, 2021, has issued confirmation regarding the grant of the iGaming rights to the ten companies. These online gaming licenses have been issued two and a half years after the Act regarding remote gambling was passed in the country.

Why was there a delay in the issuance of the online/remote gaming licenses?

The long delay of over two and a half years on the part of the KSA in the issuance of these licenses is on account of the global COVID-19 pandemic that held up the regulatory meetings. Inspite of the delay, licenses have been issued to ten firms for online/remote gaming. Operations are likely to commence as soon as October 1, 2021.

Which companies have received the licenses?

The ten companies to whom licenses have been issued are Tombola, Bet365, TOTO Online, FPO Netherlands, Play North, Bingoal Netherlands, Betent, Holland Casino, GGPoker, and LiveScore Malta. KSA officials had issued a statement stating that dozens of iGaming bids were received and with each bid, the necessary upfront application fee of €48,000 (US$55,600) was received. The authority has announced that more online gaming licenses will be issued in the coming weeks.

iGaming and the Government

The Dutch government-owned company, Holland Casino has been the monopoly holder in the casino industry since the Netherlands legalized casinos about 50 years ago. However, with respect to iGaming Holland Casino will not be the monopoly holder. Instead, Dutch lawmakers have chosen to issue licenses to commercial operators for the online gaming industry. The Netherlands is not one of the first countries in Europe to legalize internet casinos and has opened up to the online gaming industry later than most European nations. The decision was based on the desire of Europe’s northwestern country to rid itself of unregulated and unlicensed iGaming websites. The KSA has warned unlicensed operators to shut their operations immediately.