Dutch egaming market to be up and running by January 2021
Operators must register interest in licences by 21 June
The Dutch online gaming and betting market will be open for business by January 2021, according to the head of the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) René Jansen.
Speaking at the Gaming in Holland conference on Wednesday, Jansen confirmed his expectation that the Remote Gaming Act will come into force on 1 July 2020, emphasising that the licensing of operators under this legislation is a “priority” for the KSA.
Although the bill officially passed through the Dutch parliament in February, the country’s the Ministry of Justice and Security is drafting the subordinate legislation related to the bill, which is required before it can formally enter law.
Full conditions required for a licence have yet to be published by the Dutch government, however Jansen said licensing would place “quite a high demand” on the KSA’s existing resources.
“However, we are doing everything in our power to get it done. If we cannot manage with our permanent staff, we will hire external staff,” Jansen added.
The KSA has launched its first registration of interest form for prospective Dutch licence holders, requiring that all interested operators submit the completed form online to the KSA by the 21 June.
Jansen said it was essential that the KSA know how many operators are planning to submit applications when licensing officially opens in 2020.
“This information will allow us to organise the licensing process properly. A smooth process is not only in our own interest but also in the interest of the companies that are going to apply for a licence,” Jansen added.
Loads to cover from the overview of KOA implementation from Rene Jansen but let’s just say I hope you have not targeted the Netherlands in the last 2 year! #GiH2019 pic.twitter.com/u9NFT5ioa0
— peter murray (@IDpetermurray) June 5, 2019
A key factor in the successful rollout of the Dutch online gambling market will be the so-called reliability issue, where prospective operators are required to provide proof of reliability as part of the licensing process.
In addition, the finer details of who will be excluded from applying for a licence have yet to be finalised.
Under the previous proposals, any operator which has been previously sanctioned by the KSA will not be able to apply for a licence for two years and must demonstrate their reliability during this period by not actively targeting Dutch citizens.
David Foster, GVC’s head of regulatory affairs, who also attended the event, highlighted the issue of gambling advertising as being essential to the successful integration of online gambling into the Dutch market.
Referencing the current anti-gambling climate in Sweden, which followed increased advertising by operators, Foster said it was important to “get it right” in the Netherlands and restrict advertising by operators to ensure public opinion about gambling remains on-side.
“It’s not just tone but also (or perhaps especially) volume that can turn the public against gambling advertising,” Foster added.