The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has completed its first round of online gambling licence renewals, granting eight operators the right to continue operating in the country.
The initial licences were issued in 2021 ahead of the Netherlands launching its regulated online gambling market, and had been due to expire at the end of September 2026.
The newly issued licences will run through to September 2031, giving operators a fresh five-year window to offer their services to Dutch players.
Among the eight operators to secure renewed licences were some of the most recognisable names in the Dutch online gambling market, including Bet365, GG Poker, and TOTO Online.
Hillside New Media Malta, the company behind Bet365, was confirmed as one of the successful applicants alongside NSUS Malta Limited, which operates GG Poker.
TOTO Online, which runs TOTO en Winnitt, also received approval, as did Holland Casino and Belgian operator Bingoal Nederland.
Play North Limited, the company behind Kansino, and FPO Nederland, the operator of FairPlay Casino, were also granted renewed licences, as was Betent, the company behind Betcity.
While the KSA confirmed that all eight operators met the requirements for securing a licence, the regulator did flag some concerns over their activities during the evaluation process.
Renewal applications included a new element that takes into account any violations committed by licensees over the five years since the Dutch market officially launched on 1 October 2021.
Online gambling operators were not the only businesses to have their licences renewed during this period, with lottery operator Lotto BV also receiving confirmation of continued authorisation.
Lotto BV, a subsidiary of the state-owned Nederlandse Loterij, had its three exclusive licences renewed to cover lottery games, instant lotteries, and retail sports betting.
The decision was supported by the Dutch Council of State, which determined that the KSA may continue operating a monopoly model for certain gambling categories, a ruling that proved critical for Lotto BV.
Had the Council of State ruled differently, the exclusive licences held by Lotto BV could have been revoked entirely, potentially opening those categories to wider competition.
The completion of this first renewal round marks a significant milestone for the Dutch regulated market, which has now been operational for five years and continues to evolve its regulatory framework.
