The gambling market in the Netherlands seems to have awakened after a long hibernation. The legalisation of online gambling in 2021 has forced the industry to change, breaking the established framework. It is no longer the controlled structure that existed for decades. Everything has become different: faster, more diverse, more complex.
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How It All Started
Once upon a time, gambling in the country was clearly organised. Holland Casino, the only operator, set the tone for the entire market from 1976. But nothing lasts forever. The Remote Gambling Act, passed in 2021, marked the beginning of a new era. According to https://buitenland-casinos.com, private companies now have licences, and with them came competition and innovation.
However, what was left behind the scenes? Strict state control has not disappeared, but has been transformed. Policies based on player protection have become the main regulatory tool. But is this enough to stop those who choose illegal platforms?
The Market and Its Figures
The economic data sounds convincing. For 2023, gross gambling revenue reached €4 billion, up 21% from a year earlier. The main driver is online gambling, which brought in €752 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Even the pandemic couldn’t stall the growth for long. However, land-based casinos are still finding their way to recovery. Their market share remains limited, although interest in traditional gaming is gradually returning.
Who’s Playing?
The demographics of players have changed too. Some 5.4 per cent of Dutch adults have tried online gambling. And almost all of them choose licensed platforms – trust in legal operators is impressive. The average gambling spend was €272 in 2023, which is lower than the European average, but the figure is growing.
Youth is a particular attraction. Players aged between 18 and 23 have increased their presence in the market, accounting for 10.8 per cent of total revenue. At the same time, their spending remains relatively low at around €55 per month. Perhaps they are more cautious or simply prefer to try rather than take risks.
Online Gambling in the Netherlands
Gambling in the Netherlands has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. It all started with the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) in 2021, which legalised online gambling, bringing it under strict control. This move, bold and controversial at the same time, opened the door for licensed operators but, as a consequence, set off a chain reaction that changed the entire market.
Major changes that can’t be ignored:
- Legalisation. KOA has become the foundation of a new era, providing transparent rules and control over operators. Player safety is now at the forefront, although this also hides tight control over industry profits.
- The rapid growth in the number of players. The habits of millions of Dutch people have changed, they are increasingly choosing online over traditional casinos. The reason is simple – convenience and accessibility.
- The economy is booming. The gaming market brings millions to the budget, which pleases the state a lot. Tax contributions, in turn, strengthen the infrastructure.
- Focus on accountability. The introduction of mandatory self-monitoring measures reminds you of the need to contain excitement so as not to cross the line.
- Technology as an engine. Operators are investing in mobile platforms and live streaming in an effort to make the game more ‘human’.
Technological Innovations and Their Impact on the Gambling Industry
Technological innovations are rapidly pushing the boundaries of what is familiar in the game industry in the Netherlands. Artificial intelligence has become not just a tool, but the cornerstone of new platforms, where every move the player makes is anticipated. Personalisation? Yes, it’s no longer a nice bonus, but a rule of the game. Such approaches give the feeling of fine-tuning content to individual tastes. But isn’t this just the beginning?
On the other hand, mobile devices and high quality internet have given gambling a new dimension. Now the game is everywhere: in the metro, at home, on the street. The feeling of absolute accessibility is frightening in its irreversibility. It’s no longer a question of mere convenience – it’s a new paradigm where time and place lose their meaning. But what is behind it?
Regulators are on the front line, forced to balance progress and common sense. Somewhere data needs tighter protection, somewhere players need to be helped to maintain control. This is no longer just a legal issue, but a moral challenge.
Achievements bring development, but every step forward becomes a new challenge. How do you keep that fragile line between progress and responsibility?
Risk Management
Regulators are not slumbering. In 2023, there is a ban on mass advertising of gambling. Television, radio, newspapers – everything is closed to such adverts. This is not just a formality, but a step towards limiting the industry’s influence on vulnerable groups.
In addition, the Cruks roster continues to grow. In the first eight months of 2023, the number of registered players increased to 48,000. These are those who consciously choose to self-exclude in an effort to avoid addiction. But will Cruks remain an effective tool in the long term?
Challenges and Prospects
Illegal platforms are one of the main problems. Although the authorities claim that 95 per cent of players use legal services, the figure is questionable. Legalisation has attracted attention, but the shadow market continues to exist.
What’s next for the market? The future of the industry is linked to the development of technology and increasing the level of responsibility of players. Creating a safe environment for users must remain a priority. However, the balance between commercial interests and player protection is difficult to find.
Conclusion
The growth of the gambling industry in the Netherlands is not just a success, it is a challenge. On the one hand, the market offers more and more opportunities for players and operators. On the other hand, it requires the state to keep a close eye on it. Legalisation, regulation and user protection will remain in the spotlight for a long time to come. A new era has begun, but only time will tell where it will lead.