Remote Gambling Act in force

This means that operators may now submit applications to us for a licence to offer gambling via the internet.

How does the procedure work?

The entry into force of the Remote Gambling Act makes it legal to offer gambling via the internet in the Netherlands. In order to do so, operators need a licence from the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa). The Ksa aims to issue the first licences by 1 October 2021. On 1 October, the market for online gambling in the Netherlands will actually open up.

All applicants who submit their licence applications on time and in full and who meet the assessment criteria will be issued a licence at the same time. This ensures that all licensed operators can start at the same time. This promotes a fair and level playing field.

In order to actually start operations by 1 October 2021, operators must:

• submit an application in the prescribed manner before the 15th of April
• submit a description of the gaming system to us before the 15th of April
• have the assessment reports regarding the components of their gaming system and the request for 'vrijgave-advies' for CRUKS submitted before  the 1st of July

Additional requirements for addiction prevention

The Remote Gambling Act regulates more than just the legalisation and regulation of online gambling. The Act will impose additional requirements with regard to addiction prevention on all (including land-based) operators of risky gambling. For land-based operators, these requirements will apply from 1 April.

New requirements advertising, recruitment

The Remote Gambling Act also introduces new requirements with regard to advertising and recruitment. From 1 April, these will also apply to all gambling operators, including those offering less risky gambling activities, such as lotteries.