Online Gambling Legislation in the Netherlands
On February 19 2019, the Dutch Senate finally adopted the Remote Gambling Bill, intending to modernise the Dutch Betting and Gaming Act and allow Dutch citizens to enjoy online games of chance with licensed operators. Although initially scheduled for July 1 2020, the launch was pushed back twice until finally approved for October 1 2021.
According to the Remote Gambling Bill, operators "have a duty to monitor players' activity and intervene if risky playing behaviour (such as betting large sums or playing for long periods) is observed or suspected". They should also establish a Control Database (CDB) with current operational data, featuring open access to the regulator.
Currently, the KSA issues two types of licences:
- Sports betting licence
- Casino gaming licence
Is Online Gambling Legal in the Netherlands?
Gambling at online casinos licensed by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in the Netherlands is entirely legal and safely monitored by the KSA.
On October 1, 2021, the Netherlands opened its regulated online gambling market, allowing legal sports betting to residents as well as casino games online. Any operator who obtains a license must adhere to the licensing conditions to retain it, and the Netherlands has strict penalties for violators.
Previously, online gambling was prohibited in the Netherlands, but the passage and subsequent enactment of the long-delayed Remote Gambling Act (KOA) enabled the market to open.
Authorities that Regulate Online Gambling in the Netherlands?
Issuing licences and monitoring operators' activity is entrusted to the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), or the Netherlands Gambling Authority, the same agency that oversees land-based gambling.
Are Land-Based Casinos in the Netherlands Legal?
At the time of writing, the Netherlands is home to 14 land-based casinos, all of which are operated by Holland Casino, a Dutch state-owned company with the legal monopoly to offer gambling services; all Holland Casino profits go directly to the Dutch treasury. The sole licensed provider of casino gambling with genuine gaming tables is Holland Casino.
The Netherlands prides itself on a long history of gambling. The first Dutch casino opened its doors to the public in 1976 in Zandvoort. Following that example, these are the other locations and opening times of some of the most famous Dutch casinos:
- Valkenburg, 1977
- Scheveningen, 1979
- Rotterdam, 1985
- Amsterdam, 1986
- Breda, 1987
- Groningen, 1988
- Nijmegen, 1989
- Eindhoven, 1993
- Utrecht, 2000
- Enschede, 2002
- Venlo, 2006
- Leeuwarden, 2006
- Amsterdam-West, 2018
The listed venues are famous for offering a wide array of gambling alternatives, from slot machines and the classic casino games like Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker, Sic Bo and Bingo to Punto Banco and Wheel of Fortune.
Is it Safe to Gamble at an Online Casino in the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of four constituent countries, the Netherlands (with the municipalities of Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba), Aruba, Curaçao and St. Martin; however, the four countries represent four different gaming markets.
As such, each of them has its unique gambling policy. In this respect, it is essential to highlight that KSA does not hold any responsibility for supervising and regulating the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Since online gambling is regulated in the Netherlands, there should be no problems for players trying their luck at Netherlands online casinos. However, AskGamblers strongly advises you to check the casino's terms and conditions before you play, and always be sure to double-check that the casino holds a valid license from the KSA. Better safe than sorry, right?
The Best Online Casinos that Accept Dutch Players
This page lists the finest online casinos licensed by the KSA, and accepting Dutch players. We search the market for casinos that welcome Dutch players and only list those that do.
How do Dutch Online Casino Reviews Work?
This page features plenty of online casino reviews NL. They can provide vital information about the casino you're going to enter.
AskGamblers reviews are arranged by casino rank, so you can start with the finest Dutch online casinos and work your way up. There are also hundreds of genuine player reviews to assist you in choosing your next online gambling destination.
These reviews are organised from best to the least good, so you can first start with the best casinos.
Best Casinos in the Netherlands according to CasinoRank
You may explore the top NL online casinos according to the AskGamblers CasinoRank Score. When evaluating a Dutch casino, we assess various factors, but one of the most critical is their withdrawal and pending periods.
We also examine the deposit and withdrawal methods available and the presence of live chat when compiling our rankings. Additionally, our CasinoRank Score considers their software and language options, licensing, overall design, and the complaint service they provide.
Best Dutch Casinos Ranked by the Players
AskGamblers prides on a large and trustworthy community of gamers that give honest evaluations and rank each casino on a scale of 1 to 10. These are authentic reviews based on real experiences to provide valuable insight into a casino.
We've selected the finest casinos in the Netherlands based on user reviews. These real experiences can be pretty beneficial to both new and experienced players; we strongly encourage you to check them out.
Most Popular Casino Types in the Netherlands
Players in the Netherlands have access to various popular casino types, including new casinos and mobile-friendly casinos. Other popular casino formats in the Netherlands include instant and download casinos and those that offer both real money and practice play.
Go through the most popular casino varieties so you can choose the one that's right for you.
New Online Casinos in the Netherlands
You'll never run out of opportunities to play since new online casinos in the Netherlands open almost daily. A new casino with a valid Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) license is eligible to accept players from the Netherlands, and we have a large number of them listed on our pages.
These casinos may offer a variety of popular games and may use a range of digital vendors to cater to many gamers.
Mobile Casinos in the Netherlands
Players are increasingly gaming on the go, and the Netherlands has no shortage of mobile casinos. You will not need any equipment, only your standard mobile device, which may include smartphones and tablets.
In fact, the majority of mobile casinos in the Netherlands do not require you to download an app because their games are compatible with mobile browsers. Certain casinos will have apps available on Google Play and the App Store, so keep an eye out for these as well.
Instant-Play & Download Casinos in the Netherlands
While playing your favourite games has never been easier, the Netherlands still has a mix of instant play and download casinos. Years ago, most casinos required downloading, and while some still do, most online casinos now offer instant play (only).
This means that you can access their site directly from your browsers with a few simple clicks. Casinos that continue to offer a download client will demand you to download their software in order to play.
Dutch Casinos Available in "demo" or "real" mode
Trying out new games can be costly, which is why the majority of Dutch casinos enable you to do so in both demo and real money mode. Demo mode allows you to determine whether or not a game is suitable for you, and demo slots in the Netherlands are pretty popular for this reason. You can spin for free without using real money.
When you discover games that you believe you'll enjoy, you may easily switch to real mode and begin winning real money.
Important Details to Consider When Choosing a Dutch Online Casino
There are numerous factors to consider while selecting a Dutch online casino, including your preferred bonuses and software providers.
Additionally, you should evaluate the payment methods you wish to utilise to fund and withdraw cashback, as well as the currencies available in the Netherlands. We'll explore all of this in further detail below.
Which Casino Bonuses Can You Claim in the Netherlands?
Numerous casino bonuses are available in the Netherlands. These bonuses vary by casino, but you can expect to find the following:
Most Popular Casino Software in the Netherlands
You can play virtually any other game at casinos that accept Dutch players, owing to their use of the industry's leading casino games software. These casinos make use of NetEnt, Playtech, and Microgaming software. As a result, you'll have access to a diverse selection of game options and variations.
Additionally, they frequently update their libraries, ensuring that you have the same amount of fun as players in other countries.
Casino Deposit Methods Available in the Netherlands
The payment methods available to you significantly impact your casino experience. You want safe, quick, and acceptable methods in your region.
The following are the best payment options for Dutch players that are also available at casinos that accept them.
If the casino accepts iDEAL as a payment method, this is a good indication that it is the best option for Dutch players. iDEAL is a tailored option for Dutch consumers that enables them to access online banking services and make payments instantly from any location. Dutch players can use this to their advantage in their casino accounts. You are not required to register with iDEAL directly but with one of the supported banks. It enables rapid and frictionless banking.
Debit and credit cards are the most widely accepted methods of depositing and withdrawing funds from your casino account. The two most popular are VISA and Mastercard, both of which are accepted by Dutch players as well as other international players.
If you want to take additional security precautions, you can use the Paysafecard. They are prepaid cards with a 16-digit PIN that can be used at the majority of the country's retailers. This card enables you to make payments to your account without disclosing your bank or credit card information. However, it is not guaranteed that all casinos accepting players from the Netherlands will offer this feature.
As a payment option, e-wallets provide a high level of convenience and security. Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal are the three largest. They are available worldwide, which means that more casinos have incorporated them as withdrawal and deposit banking options. You'll need to create an account with one of them and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Online Casinos That Accept Dutch Currency
The Netherlands, like much of Europe, uses the Euro as its official currency. Before the Euro, the official currency of the Netherlands was the Dutch guilder, simply referred to as the guilder.
If you are headed towards a Dutch online casino, expect to see Euro in a Dutch online casino's currency list.
Which Online Casino Games Can You Play in a Dutch Casino?
Two main categories in the Dutch gambling market are casino and sports betting. Within these two categories, casino games, poker, slot machines, exchange betting, sports betting (fixed odds), pari-mutuel betting, short-odds bingo and live betting make for legal and most popular games. However, betting on non-sports events, spread betting and online lotteries (including long-odds bingo) remains prohibited.
Offering bets on e-sports and virtual sports (where the outcome is generated by a random number generator and treated as casino games) and fantasy sports (regarded as sports betting) are also allowed, albeit subject to various conditions.
Online Slots in the Netherlands
You can choose from a variety of slot games, many of which feature up to twenty paylines and come in three-reel and five-reel variations. Additionally, progressive jackpots provide players with the opportunity to win life-changing sums of money.
Always keep an eye out for free spins offers, as they allow you to play more games and increase your chances of winning. The following are some of the most popular slots games available in casinos:
- Mega Moolah
- Starburst
- Immortal Romance
- Mega Fortune
- Hall of Gods
Table and Card Games in the Netherlands
Table games add excitement to any online casino because they allow you to experiment with various gambling strategies in order to improve your luck. In the Netherlands, players can enjoy table games such as Roulette in all of its popular variants, including American, French, and European.
Additionally, there are numerous blackjack, craps, and bingo variants. Popular titles such as Aces or Faces, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild are available for video poker enthusiasts.
Lottery and Bingo in the Netherlands
Numerous games of chance are prohibited or restricted to a few select permit holders, such as Holland Casino, the Staatsloterij, and the Lotto. Only Dutch associations are permitted to organise bingo games.
In the Netherlands, there are numerous lotteries. The government's modernisation plans will develop a more socially responsible, policy-driven, and legally secure lottery system. These plans are also consistent with the overall modernisation of the gambling policy.
Sports Betting in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, sports betting is legal in both land-based and online forms.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the country, and the majority of wagers are placed on its outcomes. In terms of popularity, it is closely followed by field hockey.
There's also golf and tennis betting, as well as cycling. Cycling is popular in the Netherlands, both as a sport and as a mode of transportation which is why it has a devoted following. As a result, it is a significant element of the sports betting market.
History of Gambling in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, gambling has a longstanding tradition. It dates back to the 14th century, and the government has strictly regulated it through a series of legislation and tax restrictions since then. An agency in charge of gambling as a whole, on the other hand, is relatively new.
In 1964, the comprehensive Betting and Gambling Act was enacted. Because it took the "prohibited if not licensed" approach to gaming, it was quite restricted. That meant that the government could only legalise gambling, which remained until the late 1990s, when the laws were liberalised.
With the Dutch government opening up the online gambling market on October 1 2021, the online gambling arena became the country's hotspot, immediately increasing interest in the country as a result. Modernising the existing gambling sector and creating a new revenue stream for businesses and consumers, online gambling in NL will further thrive and follow new gambling trends diligently.
Future Online Gambling Trends in the Netherlands
The future of gambling in the Netherlands will most likely mirror the changes that the sector will undergo throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Because there are numerous advantages to using cryptocurrency as a payment method, the industry will shift to it, and the Dutch market is ready for it.
There's also a shift away from land-based casinos and toward internet gambling, which is safer in this day and age and more enticing to a younger generation that's just getting started in the world of gambling.
Explore/Discover the Best Online Casinos in the Netherlands
Be among the first to explore the market by testing out licensed online casinos carefully selected by a team of AskGamblers experts. Enjoy and good luck!
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