Dutch prospective licensee list more than doubles to 180+
Regulator confirms 183 operators now interested in online gambling licences
The number of operators looking to get a licence to operate online gambling in the Netherlands has shot up to 183, more than double that of less than a fortnight ago.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) confirmed that of the 183 operators, more than half are not directly located in the Netherlands, while 74 already offer land-based gambling and are looking to expand online.
The deadline for operators to confirm their interest expired on 21 June, however the KSA have not confirmed which operators have registered.
However, Dr Alan Littler, gaming lawyer at Kalff, Katz and Franssen believes it is “highly doubtful” whether all interested parties will apply for licences. Indeed, Littler believes the numbers could rise once the licensing process opens.
“The costs that successful operators will have to incur in order to meet regulatory requirements upon entering the licensed market, and thereafter, are likely to weed out a significant chunk of the potential entrants,” Littler added.
Earlier this month, the KSA confirmed its intention to commence the licensing process in 2020, with a view to commencing online gambling operations by January 2021.
No specific details have been published on the make-up of the licensing process, however it is understood that application fee will be €45,000 (£40,000), with operators required to provide the KSA with a financial guarantee totalling €830,000 as part of the application process.
All applicants and future licensees will be subject to so-called Bibob laws (Promotion of integrity assessments by the public administration).
These laws allow the KSA to investigate any links between the egaming operator and criminal elements, investigations which can be undertaken on both new licence applicants and existing licensees.
Under Bibob laws any changes in the ownership of an egaming operator can be investigated and can lead to the attachment of additional regulations to the licensee or to the revocation of the operators licence.
Operators will also be assessed on social responsibility, funding and ID verification standards prior to licence issue.