The first step for online gambling has been taken in the Netherlands. The Bill on remote gambling has been adopted by the Dutch Parliament. The current Dutch Betting and Gaming Act prohibits the offering of games of chance without a permit. Modification of the Betting Act is called for because players can easily play games of chance via the Internet without the provider having a permit. For under the Betting and Gaming Act, it is currently not possible to offer legal games of chance via the Internet. Players therefore turn to illegal offerings, which cannot be easily monitored. If the Dutch Senate also agrees to the plan, it will be possible in the Netherlands in the second half of 2017 to obtain a permit for the offering of online games of chance such as poker, casino games and sports betting. Also read: update on gambling license in the Netherlands.
Permit for online gambling in the Netherlands
The bill on remote gambling in the Netherlands provides the legal framework for a permit system, allowing Dutch players to participate in online games of chance. The new betting legislation will allow to set strict requirements on providers of online games of chance In the Netherlands and consequently offer better protection of players against gaming addiction, for example. Permit holders in the Netherlands will pay 29% tax on games of chance, a 0.25% contribution to the addiction fund and a 1.5% contribution to the Gaming Authority on the gross results of the games.
Law enforcement under Betting and Gaming Act in the Netherlands
The Dutch Bill on remote gambling will extend the enforcement powers of the Gaming Authority. The bill allows the Gaming Authority to check if permit holders observe the conditions. Any providers who do not hold a permit can be dealt with more severely. A central register will also be set up for the most risky games by which problematic players can be temporarily excluded from participating in a game. Providers of online games of chance like sports betting also need to contribute to a fund that helps in the fight against gaming addiction. Please feel free to ask any questions on gambling or a gambling permit in the Netherlands.