Dutch remote gambling act entered into force as of 1 April 2021

1 April 2021 marked the end of a lengthy legislative and political process and the start of a new era: the Dutch remote gambling act has entered into force.

As of 1 April 2021, operators that want to offer remote games of chance in the Netherlands, can apply for a remote gambling licence with the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or “NGA”).

The default term for the NGA to decide on a remote gambling licence application has been set at six months after filing of the application. This term may be extended to a maximum of another six months under specific circumstances.

The NGA has chosen to make a distinction between applicants that file their application before 15 April 2021 and those who apply on or after 15 April 2021. Applicants that submit their application before 15 April 2021 have the benefit of filing a portion of the required documents (mainly related to testing and certification of the game system) ultimately before 1 July 2021, whereas applicants that file on or after 15 April 2021, must submit such documents at the date of application.

The NGA aims to enable applicants who submit their application before 15 April 2021 to go live starting 1 October, provided that they submit their application on time, in full and that they meet the assessment criteria.

Applicants must submittheir application via the portal that the NGA made available through the link “Inlog Koa” at the top right of the NGA’s website.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions related to remote gambling in the Netherlands or when you require assistance in getting ready to file your application for a remote gambling licence.