“It was high time the Netherlands allowed online gambling. It’s 2021, the internet is everywhere and it doesn’t stop at the border,” René Jansen of government gambling watchdog Kansspeelautoriteit told broadcaster NOS.
“It is currently unregulated, no one is watching and it is beyond policing. We are now going to create a safe environment,” Jansen added.
He said he expected that 35 out of the first 40 applicants would be eligible for a licence.
The law, which was six years in the making, came into effect on Thursday last week (April 1st).
“Providers have to have provisions in place to prevent addiction, they must be reliable and prevent money laundering and the games must be fair,” Jansen said.
Dutch contenders for a licence include Holland Casino, Nederlandse Loterij, Novamedia (Postcodeloterij), ZEbetting & Gaming, Fair Play Casino and Jack’s Casino. Big international player Bet365 is also expected to apply.
Source: GMB
