According to broadcaster NOS it is anticipated that approximately 40 gambling companies will apply for a license to offer online betting and other games in the Netherlands from October 2021 when new legislation is due to take effect.
The Netherlands was one of the few countries in Europe which had not opened up the market to online gambling, which led to players utilizing unlicensed sites which do not pay tax in the country.
Rene Jansen of Government Gambling Watchdog Kansspeelautoreit told broadcaster NOS that it was high time the Netherlands allowed online gambling.
He went on to say that it is 2021, the internet is everywhere and it does not stop at the border.
Jansen also said that it is currently unregulated, no one is watching and it is beyond policing. He added that they will now create a safe environment expects that 35 out of the first 40 applicants would be eligible for a license.
The law came into effect on 1st April and providers must have provisions in place to prevent addiction, must be reliable and prevent money laundering and that the games must be fair
Contenders include Fair Play Casino, Jack’s Casino, Holland Casino, Novamedia (Postcodeloterij), the Nederlandse Loterij and ZEbetting & Gaming while leading international player Bet365 is also expected to apply.
Companies which include Pokerstars, Unibet and Bwin had been targeting the Dutch market unlicensed and will now be required to go to the back of the queue.
According to Jansen the parties going into business from 1st October will have the advantage as far as advertising is concerned.
De Nederlandse Loterij and Novamedia will be giving part of the money put up by players to charity.