Gambling in Netherlands
The Dutch government tightly controls gambling within the Netherlands, with all casinos managed by monopoly operator Holland Casino. The company has been in operation since the mid 1970’s, when it opened the first Dutch casino in Zandvoort. Now there are 14 casinos across the country, although Holland Casino has encountered recent financial problems.
The monopoly is maintained strictly, and the Dutch government made history with a EUR 100,000 fine that was given to illegal online operator Global Stars in September 2013.
Online Gambling in Netherlands
As yet, online gambling in Holland is still illegal, but under draft legislation published by the Netherlands Gaming Authority in early 2013, the online market is due to be liberalized, with a launch date of January 1st, 2015.
The state will grant 5 year licenses to operators, allowing them to run a full range of products within the Netherlands.
Foreign based online casinos are still under attack from the government, however, after the EUR 100,000 fine levied against Curacao based Global Stars in September 2013. From 2015, Dutch players will be subject to a 29% tax on winnings from foreign based sites, in a move aimed to promote local companies over unlicensed operators.
