Dutch Online Gambling Operators Face Renewal Process Amid Regulatory Changes
As the five-year anniversary of legal online gambling in the Netherlands approaches, the country’s gaming authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has underscored new requirements for operators seeking to renew their remote gambling licences by October 2026.
Starting January 1, 2026, all applicants must present an “exit plan” as part of their reapplication process. This plan will detail how operators intend to disengage from the Dutch market if they choose not to extend their licence after its initial five-year term. This requirement applies to both those renewing their licences and new entrants looking to offer services in the regulated Dutch market.
In addition to the exit strategy, operators are required to submit a document explaining their protocol for communicating any operational changes to the KSA promptly. This is coupled with a comprehensive risk assessment focused on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures.
Failure to align with these new stipulations could lead to the rejection of applications, even for businesses that have previously held a licence in the Netherlands.
A Shifting Landscape for Dutch Operators
The timing of this announcement coincides with the upcoming fourth anniversary of the Netherlands’ move to legalize online gambling, which officially commenced on October 1, 2021. Operators who were some of the first to secure licences will soon need to start preparing their renewal applications, as these early permits will be set to expire in October 2026.
The KSA has indicated that renewing operators will undergo a different review process compared to newcomers. The authority will closely examine various aspects, including policies designed to combat gambling addiction and responsible advertising practices.
Moreover, operators with a history of regulatory violations in the initial years of the market may find prior missteps affecting their renewal prospects. To mitigate these issues, they will need to detail how they’ve addressed past shortcomings in their applications.
The regulator stated, “Providers with previous infractions must articulate how they have learned from their experiences and outline the measures taken to prevent future occurrences. Insufficient explanations may result in the denial of the application or the imposition of additional conditions.”
As the industry prepares for these changes, operators must not only navigate the regulatory landscape but also demonstrate their commitment to responsible gaming practices and operational transparency. The upcoming months will be crucial as the deadline for reapplication nears, urging companies to rethink their strategies for compliance and market presence in the increasingly scrutinized field of online gambling.