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Online gambling is now fully legal in the Netherlands. The law came into effect in October 2021, after years of debate and delays. The change was made possible through the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which had been approved back in 2019 but only took effect two years later.
The Dutch Gambling Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is the main body that controls this market. They issue licenses to operators, but only after strict checks. Any casino that wants to operate legally must be based in the EU, follow responsible gaming rules, protect players from addiction, and pass regular audits.
Currently, only a limited number of casinos hold a Dutch license. This is because the process is tough and the license fees are very high.
Trusted Online Casinos in the Netherlands
Dutch players don’t need to worry about safety as there are already several legal platforms to choose from. Some of the popular options include:
- Holland Casino Online is a digital version of the country’s most famous land-based casino, offering poker, roulette, and slots.
- TOTO Casino is well-known for sports betting, but now a full online casino with a wide game collection.
- BetCity is famous for its user-friendly site and attractive bonuses.
Other licensed casinos include Bet365, Unibet NL, Casino777, Kansino, Jack’s Casino, Circus Casino, and One Casino. You can usually recognize legal casinos by the KSA logo on their website and the use of the Dutch .nl domain. They also offer euro-based payments, Dutch-speaking customer service, and secure transactions.
Dangers of Playing at Illegal Casinos
Unlicensed casinos might look tempting, but they come with huge risks.
- No protection for your money: You may win big but never get paid. Illegal sites can block withdrawals without reason.
- Unfair games: Legal casinos are checked for fairness and transparency, but illegal ones can manipulate results.
- Risk to personal data: Sharing banking or ID details with unlicensed sites can put you at risk of fraud.
The KSA actively fights against these platforms by blocking websites and charging fines of up to €900,000. While Dutch law mostly targets operators rather than players, it’s still never worth taking the risk.
Gambling Reforms in the Netherlands
It took more than a decade of discussions before the online gambling market became regulated. The system is still developing, and both players and operators have raised concerns.
- For players: Some complain about limited legal casino options and strict deposit limits.
- For operators: Taxes are high (29% on revenue), and the licensing process is complex.
The KSA is working on improvements, including stricter actions against illegal operators and more space for trusted brands to join the Dutch market. Another big change is advertising rules gambling ads can no longer feature celebrities and are limited on TV to protect young people.
How to Pick the Best Online Casino in the Netherlands
If you are searching for the right casino, focus on these points:
- KSA License: This is the most important check.
- Game Variety: Trusted casinos work with big names like NetEnt, Evolution, or Play’n GO.
- Bonuses: Look for realistic offers with fair terms.
- Payment Options: iDEAL, Trustly, and cards are common in licensed casinos.
- Dutch Support: Good casinos provide full customer service in Dutch.
Also Read: Online Gaming Bill 2025: India Moves To Ban Money Games
