Gambling Laws in the Netherlands

When most of us think of the Netherlands we visualise a very free country with lenient laws regarding drugs and adult entertainment. But are things as simple when it comes to gambling?

Online gambling was once illegal with the government going to great lengths to restrict offshore and in-country platforms from accepting bets from residents. Whilst land-based casinos are hugely popular but operated by a monopoly.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in the Netherlands?

The legal basis for all gambling activities is included in the NL Betting and Gaming Act. This defines games of chance as "an opportunity to compete for prizes or premiums if the winners are designated using any calculation of probability over which the participants are generally unable to exercise a dominant influence". Note that there is no mention of any monetary stakes.

Like in other jurisdictions, regulations vary from one type of betting to the next. Land-based gambling at casinos and high-street bookmakers has been legal for many years. On the other hand, online casinos in the Netherlands have been illegal with new provisions for the activity finally making it into law in 2021.

Wagering in Land-Based and Online Casinos

Land-based casinos are provided by the state-owned Holland Casino, which has had a monopoly on the industry since the 1970s. There are currently 14 venues in operation across the country.

Aside from casinos, slot machine arcades exist in the Netherlands, including cafes and restaurants where over 18's can enjoy a wide range of games.

The Netherlands went to great lengths to prevent offshore gambling companies from accepting online bets from residents at one point. But at the same time failed to provide any homegrown options to satisfy the country's appetite. This situation remained until April 2021, when the Gambling Act was amended to include provisions for online casinos through the licensing of remote gambling companies.

Nowadays residents have a fantastic choice of online casino slots, electronic RNG games and live dealer tables. Sites can legally offer gambling services so long as they hold a license issued by the Netherlands Gaming Authority.

Playing Poker With Real Money

Poker falls under the definition of gambling in the NL Betting and Gaming Act and is subject to Dutch licensing requirements. Residents can play different variations of the game in the 14 land-based casinos without issue.

Online live casino sites are also in abundance, as long as they hold the appropriate licensing to operate.

Bingo Gambling

Bingo is an interesting case in that the game is classed as either having short or long odds. With only short odds games currently permitted under gambling laws in the country. This has led to residents heading to offshore and illegal bingo casinos online to indulge their passions. Whilst this is not permitted, no one has been prosecuted to date.

Playing the Lottery and Instant Win Games

The Dutch gambling scene is a mix of private and state-owned companies, with many offering 'good causes lotteries'. The law states that these operators are not permitted to profit from these activities. Until 2016 the private company 'De Lotto' offered the state lottery along with a variety of instant win games. Staatsloterij then purchased this and rebranded it to become 'Nederlandse Loterij' - a publicly owned organisation.

The law prohibits residents from playing online lottery games for real money though. Even at the many sites which are legally allowed to offer gambling services within the country.

eSports

While this is generally allowed, certain eSports have been caught up in the country's unique definition of gambling.

In 2022 the popular eSport 22's side game 'FIFA Ultimate Team' was put under scrutiny. While this is free to play, the ability to win packs (aka loot boxes) might constitute a prize of value as defined in the Betting and Gaming Act. Which could technically class the game as one of chance and therefore subject to regulation and licensing. However, it was successfully argued that since the packs cannot be viewed independently, they can't be classed as games of chance in their own right. Phew!

Is It Legal To Bet on Sports in the Netherlands?

Land-based sports betting has been available for years and two entities currently offer it. Lotto BV, under the state-owned Nederlandse Loterij for sports, and ZEbetting & Gaming Nederland BV for horse race betting.

Online gambling sites can offer a range of sports betting to residents in the country. But they must hold the appropriate government-issued license which covers:

• Fixed odds sports betting

• Pari-mutuel betting

• Live sports betting

• Horse racing betting

• Virtual sports betting (RNG-based)

• eSports betting

• Fantasy sports betting

• Exchange betting

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in the Netherlands?

All types of online and land-based gambling are restricted to those aged 18 years or over.

Do Gamblers in the Netherlands Pay Tax on Their Winnings?

Yes. Players are liable for a tax of 29% on their winnings from both licensed and unlicensed gambling. Tax must be calculated monthly and players cannot offset losses against subsequent months' winnings.

History of Online Gambling Laws in the Netherlands

Online gambling was strictly prohibited until the government announced in 2011 that reforms would be made to create a new legislated market. The idea was to protect Dutch nationals from online gambling, mostly on unlicensed foreign sites.

April 2021 saw the newly created Netherlands Gaming Authority finally begin accepting licence applications. This paved the way for the country's legal online casino gaming, sports betting and horse race betting. The Netherlands Gaming Authority has issued 18 licences, with many more on the way.

Key Facts

• Sports betting is legal and must be offered by licensed operators.

• Online and land-based casino gambling is legal.

• eSports betting is allowed to be offered by licensed operators (subject to meeting specific criteria).

• Betting on online lotteries, long odds bingo and online bingo remains prohibited.