Online casinos are legal in the Netherlands, but only when operated by licensed providers who have obtained proper authorization from the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit). The Dutch Remote Gambling Act, which came into force in 2021, established a regulated framework for online gambling activities including casino games, sports betting, and other forms of digital gaming (1). This legislation marked a significant shift from the previous prohibition on remote gambling, creating a controlled environment where operators must meet strict requirements to offer their services legally.
The Kansspelautoriteit serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing all gambling activities in the Netherlands, ensuring that licensed gaming providers follow established rules and regulations while actively pursuing illegal operators who attempt to offer services without proper authorization (2). All forms of gambling that are not explicitly exempt from licensing requirements are considered unlawful if offered without proper permits, regardless of whether the services originate from within or outside the Netherlands.
"The entry into force of the Remote Gambling Act makes it legal to offer gambling via the internet in the Netherlands. In order to do so, operators need a licence from the Netherlands Gambling Authority."
To operate legally in the Dutch market, online casino operators must demonstrate reliability, implement robust anti-money laundering measures, establish comprehensive responsible gambling tools, and maintain strict player protection standards. The licensing system ensures that all legal operators are supervised under Dutch law, creating a safe environment where games are fair and players are protected from fraudulent activities. Players can verify the legitimacy of online casinos by checking the official register of licensees maintained by the Kansspelautoriteit, which contains all authorized operators listed by company name, website, mobile application, and license number.
Source:
https://www.government.nl/topics/games-of-chance/rules-for-games-of-chance
https://kansspelautoriteit.nl/nieuws/2021/april/remote-gambling-act/
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
