New online casino operator regulations in the Netherlands set for October 2021. Do you think EUR 48,000 for 5 years licensing is reasonable? (Image from endorphina.com)
The Netherlands’ new law regulations for online gambling operators set to launch in October 2021. The Netherlands is finally set to roll out their new law regulations for operators to get online gambling licenses starting October 1st, 2021. Following details from a report underlining the Netherlands’ new plans for the online gaming application process had come into effect back in April 2021 but that the changes were not to be implemented yet with new websites able to begin operation legally as of October.
There has been a six-month gap in order for the operators and providers to gain the relevant licenses and currently, around 40 gambling operators have applied. Only 35 will be selected, however, with well-established Dutch companies Fair Play Casino, Holland Casino and Jack’s Casino among those considered, along with international operator giants Bet 365. The Netherlands is renowned in the gambling industry to be one that has put their players’ welfare first and has paid close attention to ensure strict sign-up measures are in place for all prospective players across the new online platforms!
No limits on the licenses an operator can apply for!
Head of Legals at Endorphina, Jakub, expressed his views on the latest report, explaining that the market will expand and give players more access to bet on a wider range of sporting events, including sports matches and horse racing plus many more. As long as the operators meet the requirements, then there are no restrictions on the number of licenses that they can apply for.
The fee for the licenses is EUR 48,000 with the validity lasting for five years. After two years of delays since the Dutch Senate originally approved a Remote Gambling Act back in February 2019, the new online market is just months away from launching.
These are the licenses that will be available:
- Games that feature players against the operator
- Games that feature the player against another player
- Sports events where bets on the outcome of an event are placed
- Horse racing and harness racing organised under the support of the Dutch Draft
The Netherlands Gambling Authority shall conduct the licensing application process. As previously mentioned, the licensing process began back on April 1st 2021, with many of the operators also required to register an office in the EU or in the European Economic Area. There are certain requirements to adhere to in terms of server location and data management, with the Control Database Specification legislation stating that the CDB data repository system must be in the Netherlands and separated from the operator’s physical systems, which is something similar to the new Ireland online casino licensing coming soon.
The legislation also states that operators wishing to obtain the licenses will have to pass a financial assurance report that will show their ability to continue operating over the duration of the license, for example, the operator does not have any bankruptcy issues pending or past financial difficulties that could affect their operation for the whole five years.
The report also explained that gambling taxes will be set to 29% and will commence six months after the entry into the Online Gambling Act. The Netherlands have suffered delays along the way in preparing for this moment and many hope they will cope with the expected high demands the online gambling industry as whole shall bring.
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