The Netherlands’ regulated igaming market, nearing its five-year milestone, sees several key operators securing license renewals ahead of their expiration on October 1, 2026. The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), recently renewed the license for Holland Casino, a state-operated entity. Following this, operators including Bingoal and TOTO Online, managed by the Nederlandse Loterij, announced their new five-year terms starting October 1.
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Renewal market for Key Players
As the renewal deadline looms, other major operators like BetCity, bet365, Kansino, and Fair Play are in the spotlight, with their licenses expiring October 1. Meanwhile, Jacks.nl faces a deadline of November 20, and Unibet, part of FDJ United, must renew by June 8, 2027, after a mandatory cooling-off due to prior grey market operations. OneCasino, on the other hand, has until October 5, 2027, to seek renewal.
Regulatory Shifts in the Dutch Market
The market has experienced major regulatory changes since its 2021 launch. A ban on role models in gambling ads began in July 2022, progressing to a prohibition on untargeted ads and sponsorships by 2023. The measures target the protection of vulnerable groups, including minors and problem gamblers. Just last week, the KSA drew public attention to Betcity and TOTO Winkel for flouting the ban on role models in advertising.
Concerns Over Rising Tax Rates
Operators are dealing with increased financial pressure due to a series of gambling tax hikes—the GGR rate rose from 34.2% in January 2025 to 37.8% in January 2026. Both the operators and KSA have expressed apprehensions, pointing out that despite the higher tax rates, actual tax revenues have declined. Industry insiders note this isn’t the first time concerns have been raised over the impact of fiscal policy on the market’s sustainability.
Future Developments in Dutch iGaming
With licenses secured and regulatory frameworks in a state of flux, attention now turns to how these operators will navigate the changing market. The next major event on the horizon is the KSA’s planned review of overall market practices, expected later this year.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
