Netherlands Operator’s License Applications & Rigorous Vetting Process

Playing online casino games has become a great fascination for many people across the globe.  

Over the past few years more regulatory bodies have opted to embrace the online gaming industry.  

One of which is the Netherlands gambling regulator who recently announced that online licenses are almost ready. 

Slow and Steady Change 

In most recent news the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) announced that as soon as the Netherlands new legislation comes into force applicants will be able to obtain their license. The new Netherlands Remote Gambling Act was passed earlier this year and since then the regulatory body has provided more information on what it would require for operators to obtain an operating license.  

According to the plans the newly regulated gambling market for the Netherlands is set to launch in January 2021. While this might be over a year away some of the legislation is expected to come into force as early as next summer.  

Big Change for The Netherlands 

The decision for the Dutch Senate to approve online gambling came with the option of four different licenses available for purchase. These licenses will cover different types of gambling activities from casino games where players can play against the casino to online poker, other player to player casino games, sporting events betting and horse racing or trotting betting.  

In order to apply for any of these online licenses operators will have to complete the application in Dutch and pay a non-refundable fee. Each of these applications will cost €45,000, a fee which will not be refunded even if the license is not granted.  

Strict Requirements and Vetting Process 

The regulatory body may seem like they have created a straightforward process for obtaining licenses in the region. However, the KSA has compiled a long list of strict requirements that every operator has to meet if they wish to offer their services to the Dutch gaming market.  

The list is a wide-ranging one that includes aspects of Dutch consumer law as well as global legislation on gambling and goods practises.  

Every single operator will have to demonstrate that they will follow the strict regulations and do rigorous checks on the identity of customers. Operators will also need to have a strict policy in place to enforce the prevention of fraud. Another stipulation is that these operators will have to work closely with the KSA to prevent activities such as match-fixing or corruption within sport. All marketing campaigns will also undergo a vetting process by the regulator in advance.  

The regulatory body announced that they will also be making use of advanced technology to remain connected with operators at all times. This will be done via the Control Database on which every operator will be linked and will enable the KSA to check digital data at any time. With this constant connection in place the regulatory body can make sure that the rules are properly followed at all times.  

The list of requirements is long for operators who wish to obtain an operating license in the Netherlands. Luckily the KSA stated that they will be hosting workshops to help operators make sure they meet all the conditions before applying for a license.