Netherlands passes historic Remote Gaming Bill

New legislation finally opens Dutch market and creates wealth of new opportunities for operators and providers

The lower house of the Dutch parliament has passed an historic bill to regulate online gaming in the country.

Thursday’s landmark vote paves the way for a fully regulated online market to operate in the Netherlands for the first time. The bill is expected to be rubber stamped by the Dutch Senate later this year and regulation could be in place as early as 2017.

Among the agreed amendments to the bill is a move which prohibits lotteries and land-based operators from using their existing player databases to promote their online offerings.

Jaspar Hoekert, co-founder of Revenue Engineers, a full-service gaming consultancy based in the Netherlands, said the amendment is a major boon for new entrants to the Netherlands’ online market.

In another victory for the online sector, land-based operators will be obligated to erect physical entry and player identification barriers, as well as contribute to a problem gambling fund.

The news will be welcomed by online gaming firms looking to make a move into the Netherlands, with the bill ending years of uncertainty, improving player protection and paving the way to greater innovation in the market.

Jasper Hoekert, co-founder of Revenue Engineers, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to see the Dutch Remote Gaming Bill finally pass through parliament.

“While there are some aspects of the legislation which are not ideal, this is still a very workable framework and I am confident that the Netherlands will quickly emerge as one of Europe’s most important gaming jurisdictions.

“For any operators or providers looking to make the most of this new opportunity, it is important to act quickly and seek local expertise.”

Revenue Engineers in the only gaming firm specialised on the Netherlands. It offers a full service solution covering consultancy, data, product, brand and acquisition.

Its dedicated team of 16 gaming experts is based in Amsterdam and has worked with a number of local and global clients throughout the regulation process.

It has already begun executing joint ventures with local and international partners in the Netherlands.