Gambling business in the Netherlands
The gambling business in the Netherlands is permitted and available to all adult citizens from the age of 18 years. There are 14 land toy houses in the country. Dutch legislation has recently made it possible for online casinos to operate. From 2017, foreign operators have the opportunity to obtain a license in the country.
Laws in the Dutch gambling business
The Netherlands is known as a state that is committed to allowing a variety of entertainment that is banned in other countries. Strange, but gambling has been an exception in this regard for quite some time. Until 2017, gambling was regulated by the following regulations:
The following categories of gambling are allowed in the Netherlands:
Regulation and licensing
An organization called Kansspelautoriteit is responsible for issuing and supervising gaming industry licenses in the Netherlands. In addition, the Ministry of Security and Justice (Ministryie van Veiligheid en Justitie) is responsible for developing and enforcing gambling laws.
All casinos in the Netherlands are owned by Casino Holland, which received a permanent license in 1996. Other companies have been able to obtain a license since 2016. From 2017, operators could obtain a license for a period of 5 years. The cost of the license depends on the amount of prize payments offered by the operator:
More than 500 Euros, but less than 45000 Euros - 226 Euros;
Gambling machines are a segment of gambling that is relatively easy to obtain a license in the Netherlands. There is no limit to the number of permits issued in this sector. Slots can be placed not only in gambling houses, but also in cafes and restaurants, as well as in specially equipped halls. The company is required to provide a limit for players under 18 years of age. Minors are not allowed to gamble. Licensing can be issued for a limited or indefinite period of time.
Online gambling in the Netherlands
Online gaming operators can obtain a license in one or two categories:
Changes in the law are expected in the near future. A limited liability company or a private limited liability company registered in the EU or the European Economic Area may apply. The applicant is obliged to prove that the game is played through reliable safe channels, in full compliance with applicable law. The operator must ensure that minors are not allowed to play.
Popular slot machines
According to Onlinecasinoground.nl casino rankings, the most popular slots among Dutch players right now are:
Holland Power Gaming is considered to be the most famous game developer in the Netherlands since it was founded in 2011. The headquarters are located in Bergen op Zoom. The company produces the following products:
According to the management of the company, the staff employs specialists with more than 25 years of experience, which makes it possible to create a high quality competitive product. Holland Power Gaming has released more than 50 slot machines, including progressive jackpot slots.
Prospects for the development of the gambling business in the Netherlands
Due to the fact that the law regulating the licensing process has not been in force for a long time, foreign operators are still wary of entering the gambling market in the Netherlands. The lack of positive precedents for obtaining a license and the activities of foreign companies in the country remain a significant deterrent. However, industry analysts predict an early recovery in this segment. The first licenses have already been issued to local private companies, which can be a positive example for other operators.