We use cookies for statistical purposes.

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • clients(at)lawyersnetherlands.com
  • +31630863933
Our Articles

Gambling Activities in the Netherlands

Gambling Activities in the Netherlands

Rules governing gambling activities in the Netherlands

Gambling activities in the Netherlands are regulated by the Dutch gaming authority (KSA) that enforces the provisions of the Dutch Gambling Act of 1964. This legislative document governs areas like licensing, compliance and any violations of the law.

The Dutch gaming authority operates under the Dutch Government. Gambling in The Netherlands is controlled by the Holland Casio, which has monopoly on gambling activities in the country and also has fourteen of its own casinos. Online betting is not monopolized by Holland Casino and the Government is working on special regulations for online gambling.

Our Dutch law firm can help you if you want to open a casino in the Netherlands or engage in other activities like sports betting.

Relevant legislation

The Dutch Gambling Act is the first legal source for regulating gambling activities in the Netherlands. Offences related to gambling fall under the category of economic offences and are punishable by law according to the Economic Offences Act. The Public Prosecutor in the Netherlands is the one authorized for the criminal prosecution of gambling related offences.

If any violation of the law occurs, the licensed (or unlicensed) Dutch companies that engage in gambling activities are held responsible. The Dutch gaming authority has the power to sanctions the violations of the Dutch Gambling Act. Administrative punishments are usually used in these cases.

The experts at our Dutch law firm can give you more details about the enforcement of the law and liability.

Gambling licenses in the Netherlands

In order to conduct gambling activities, companies in the Netherlands need to obtain a special license to supply gambling facilities. The purpose of the license is to ensure that the activities are being held in adequate conditions, with no risk to the public. Companies that engage in gambling in the Netherlands need to provide proof that they are not participating in any illegal activities.

The applicant for the gambling license should have its main operating office or a subsidiary in the EU or EEA. The applicant can be either a company in the Netherlands, a legal partnership, or individual. The holder of the license must observe any additional rules and regulations that may be added to the existing ones,

For more information about the application process for gambling licenses you can contact our law firm in the Netherlands.