Is it legal to gamble online in the Netherlands? Yes! Will all operators be lawful and safe? No. Because of this, you must be cautious about what you enroll for.
Unreliable casinos are likely to try to slip between the cracks. Thus, aiming to entice unwary gamblers and take their hard-earned cash.
Thanks to our partner Onlinecasinoraad, read on to uncover all the important aspects of the gambling in Netherlands along with its rules and regulations.
Gambling regulations and laws
The status of internet gambling sites in the Netherlands has been relatively stable for several decades. All owing to a lack of effort to assist pass laws to legalize them. Land-based casino play has been popular for many years, it has been welcoming both Dutch locals and international visitors.
With the recent passage of the Remote Gambling Act and subsequent revisions to the Netherlands’ online gambling regulations, all sorts of casino play are now officially permissible, provided one gambles at a licensed venue both in person and online.
Dutch Regulatory Authority
The Kansspelautoriteit is the country’s sole regulating agency in charge of all gambling-related issues (Netherlands Gambling Authority). The organization handles all license requests and imposes potential penalties under the supervision of chairman Bernadette van Buchem and vice-chairman Joop Pot. It also assures that all illicit gambling activities are swiftly stopped.
The regulating authority faces a significant amount of work. Particularly now that the gateways to legal online gambling in the Netherlands have been unleashed. Furthermore, it is evident that it will keep permitting only the greatest casino sites to run for Dutch players.
Is online gambling subject to tax in the Netherlands?
The gains from your online gambling, like numerous other items in the Netherlands, are subject to taxes. The gaming tax, locally popular as “kansspelbelasting,” is at 29%. It applies to all of the participants’ earnings as well as the operators, who are required to pay it yearly. Also, it was previously 30.1%, however, it decreased in 2018.
The tax is levied on total gaming profits from both online and offline casino games. Things are slightly different for gamers. If your earnings are less than €454 or you have invested more than what you have earned, no tax is levied on them. In other circumstances, such as when gamers win the lotteries, the tax is levied before you can claim your prize.
Legal gambling age
In the Netherlands, the legal betting age is 18. You will be unable to engage in any gambling-related pursuits if you are under the age of 18; otherwise, you will be breaching the law. When you enter a real casino, you need to produce your identification and establish your age. The same is true for their online counterparts, in which players must prove their age by producing a digital version of their ID or connect their account to their legal bank account.
Even if casino gaming is lawful in the Netherlands for fans aged 18 and over, you should still read the rules and regulations before engaging in any online gambling activity. For example, casino bonuses are only accessible to gamblers above the age of 24, as set in the national restrictions by the relevant authorities.
Advertising regulations
With the legalization of the online gambling industry in the Netherlands, there has been growing worry about how vulnerable the general public will be. Discussions between gambling businesses and the Consumentenbond, as per <a href=”https://www.gamblinginsider.com/”>Gambling Insider</a>, have so far produced no results. It was originally said that no more than 3 gambling advertisements be shown per tv ads block within the permissible gambling TV block between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Under mounting criticism, the Kansspelautoriteit took over and issued a statement outlining the principal do’s and don’ts of wagering marketing. The important implications are that licensed businesses must not aim their advertising toward kids, and all content will be reviewed for inappropriate imagery and wording. Furthermore, celebrities and professional athletes who are famous among younger populations should not be utilised in any way.
Changing gambling regulations in the Netherlands
The Remote Gambling Act made online gambling legal, while brick mortar casinos had been available for a considerable time. Also, there appears to be hope at the end of the tunnel in terms of proper gambling advertising and how it ought to be in accordance with the Media Act of 2008. Given these realities, we don’t expect any major changes to shake up the business very soon.
The government’s major job was to legalize the internet industry and launch it on October 1st, 2021, six months after the Remote Gambling Act officially came up. Now that it has been done, all that remains for the Netherlands Gambling Authority is to continue to maintain a vigilant eye on all the licenses it issues, and to uphold a secure and crime-free gameplay experience for both the local casinos and those looking to enter the market from outside.
Addiction prevention & responsible gambling
Irrespective of whether you are an experienced gambling veteran or a rookie who is just exploring the joys of gambling, you should always bet safely and with moderation. It’s easy to distract by the impulse, and before you realize it, you may be in big danger. Furthermore, online gambling providers in the Netherlands regularly collaborate with organizations that may always lend a helping hand to you, your family, and your friends. Each casino includes links to its respective portal, where its customer service representatives are available 24×7.
Conclusion
The Netherlands’ gaming sites are yet to bloom like magnificent flowers. The already impressive list of reputable casinos demonstrates that the business is eager to bring Dutch casino enthusiasts on board right away. However, if you are not cautious, this may be a double-edged dagger.
