The Netherlands will finally be able to provide a safe gambling environment to Dutch players by liberalizing remote gambling.

The new rules and regulations allow international online gambling operators to provide services to Dutch players. The Netherlands is also willing to decrease the tax rate from 29% to 20%. The new legislation enforces gambling operators to minimize the risks of gambling and protecting players more effectively. This will increase competition between gambling operators.

Remote gambling operators can start the application process to obtain necessary licenses in mid-2020. It’s believed they can start providing services to Dutch players on January 1, 2021.

International gambling operators are very popular among Dutch customers. Recent statistics show that there are over 1.8 million players in the Netherlands.

It will be a great opportunity for remote gambling operators to offer a safe gambling environment to players on Dutch online casino sites. They will be allowed to provide services in local domains and offer mobile apps and customer support in Dutch.

Restriction of illegal gambling operators for 2 years

The fate of illegal gambling operators without a license was another important matter discussed during the debate.

Most of the members of the Senate agreed on Sander Dekker’s proposal to restrict illegal gambling companies for 2 years. The new legislation prohibits previously operating companies from targeting Dutch players. These companies are not permitted to apply for necessary licenses with the Gaming Authority for 2 years.

Previously the Gaming Authority have set up multiple penalties for these illegal gambling operators. But unfortunately, Kansspelautoriteit was not successful to enforce them to pay the penalties.