The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has decided to approve 10 online gaming operators for licensing in the Netherlands. The new industry is set to launch on October 1, with license holders able to offer games of chance online. Applications for licensing were submitted months ago, so the Dutch Gaming Authority cut it close announcing those that were approved just days before the industry is set to begin.

Tough Licensing Process

Only a small number of licensees have been approved due to the strict requirements that must be met regarding the new industry. Operators must provide quality responsible gambling initiatives, including a focus on addiction prevention and consumer protection.

The following companies are among the list of those approved:

  • Betent BV
  • Bingoal Netherlands BV
  • FPO Netherlands BV
  • Hillside (New Media Malta) Plc
  • Holland Casino NV
  • LiveScore Malta Limited
  • NSUS Malta Limited
  • Play North Ltd
  • Tombola Limited
  • TOTO Online BV

The KSA plans to publish a Gaming Guide soon, with details on each operator. Lists will offer details as to which operators have licensing to provide online games and which sites and apps players can legally use. The regulator urges players that wish to take part in online gambling to do so with licensed providers as it creates a safe environment with fair and responsible gaming.

It is also expected that more licenses will be approved in the future. Some companies that are interested in offering services have yet to submit an application.

Building Up the New Industry

Back in March, the KSA announced the licensing process and estimated that as many as 35 operators would apply. Operators could start sending in applications in April with services expected to begin in October.

The Remote Gambling Act is responsible for the change in gambling laws, ratified in February 2019 to allow operators to offer online gambling services to the millions of people who call the Netherlands home. The market has the potential to be quite large due to the 17 million residents as well as travelers to the area.

The goal of allowing iGaming is to stop illegal online gambling from taking place. Regulators also want to focus on preventing addictive behavior connected to the industry and promote quality consumer protections.

A new system was created by the KSA to keep track of self-excluded players, known as the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (CRUKS). The group has inspectors that can monitor systems and ensure that details of self-excluded players are added to the CBD database.