The Netherlands’ gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced plans to introduce a new type of exploitation license, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s regulatory framework for land-based gaming establishments.

The forthcoming license is designed to bring greater structure and transparency to how gaming operations are authorized and managed. It reflects the regulator’s broader agenda to streamline the licensing system, strengthen oversight, and enhance fairness in the allocation of operating rights across the gambling sector.

A Shift Toward Flexible and Time-Limited Licensing

Under the KSA’s proposal, the new category of exploitation license will either replace or complement the existing permits that currently cover the operation of gaming machines and related venues. Unlike the traditional indefinite licenses, the updated model may introduce fixed-term permits. This would enable the regulator to periodically reassess operators’ compliance and renew their licenses based on performance and adherence to standards.

This time-limited approach follows examples such as the municipality of Amsterdam, which previously shifted its local game hall licenses from permanent to fixed-term approvals. The KSA stated that this change would improve its ability to manage scarce permits, enforce consistent regulatory expectations, and maintain a level playing field for both current and prospective operators.

According to the regulator, the new licensing structure will not be implemented overnight. Instead, it is expected to take effect in the coming years, with transitional provisions likely to protect existing license-holders during the shift to the updated framework.

Simplified Licensing for Skill-Based Machines

One notable development within this reform is the introduction of a specific type of “limited exploitation license” that applies only to the operation of skill-based machines, known in Dutch as behendigheidsautomaten. These machines differ from games of chance because outcomes depend primarily on player skill rather than luck, and they do not pay out cash prizes — only extended play or bonus rounds. Classic examples include pinball machines, where players can earn extra balls based on performance.

At present, there is just one form of exploitation license in the Netherlands, which covers both gaming machines that involve chance and those based on skill. Many operators that exclusively manage skill-based machines have requested a separate license that better suits their business model. The KSA’s new category directly responds to this industry feedback, allowing these businesses to apply for a more focused and potentially faster license review process.

The regulator explained that this new form of authorization will make it easier for such operators to obtain approval without undergoing the more complex procedures designed for chance-based machines.

Preparing Operators for Stricter Oversight

For license-holders, the KSA’s reform signals an era of greater accountability. Future licensing rounds may include enhanced renewal conditions, periodic regulatory evaluations, and potentially new obligations such as exit strategies or proof of sustainable operation.

The agency has already revealed its intention to revise the Beleidsregels vergunningverlening kansspelen op afstand (Policy Rules for Remote Gambling Licensing) effective from January 1, 2026. Among the upcoming changes is a mandatory exit plan requirement, highlighting the regulator’s commitment to long-term market stability and responsible management.

Industry analysts believe that while the new framework primarily targets the land-based segment — including game halls and entertainment venues — it could have broader implications. The emphasis on time-limited licenses and structured reviews may influence how regulators approach the online and hybrid sectors in the future, encouraging more frequent assessments and harmonized compliance standards.

Strengthening Oversight in a Modernizing Market

As the Netherlands continues refining its gambling legislation, the KSA’s move is viewed as a milestone in reinforcing the integrity of the country’s gaming ecosystem. By introducing flexible licensing terms and tailored options for different types of operators, the authority aims to balance innovation with responsible regulation — ensuring that both new entrants and established businesses operate under fair and transparent conditions.

Ultimately, the introduction of this new exploitation license reflects the KSA’s evolving role as a proactive guardian of market integrity, adapting its oversight to the changing dynamics of the Dutch gambling landscape.