Dutch Operators Face Key Licence Renewal Test

Dutch online gambling operators are approaching a major renewal period as the first five-year licences issued after the market reopened in 2021 begin to expire. The earliest licences end on 1 October 2026, with operators facing a fresh assessment by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

Holland Casino, Bingoal and Nederlandse Loterij-owned TOTO Online have already secured five-year extensions beginning 1 October 2026. Other major operators still face upcoming deadlines.

Major Operators Approach Renewal Deadlines

TOTO currently holds the largest Dutch market share, according to Blask, followed by Unibet and BetCity. Bet365 and OneCasino rank fourth and fifth respectively.

BetCity, owned by Entain, faces an October 1, 2026 deadline. The operator has acknowledged breaches involving marketing rules for young adults and has faced KSA scrutiny over role models in World Cup-related marketing. There is no indication yet whether these incidents will affect its renewal application.

Bet365 entered the Dutch market on 1 October 2021 and also faces renewal. OneCasino’s licence runs until 5 October 2027.

711 and Jacks.nl are operated by JVH Gaming and Entertainment through separate legal entities. Jacks.nl must renew by 20 November 2026, while 711 has until 16 March 2027. Kansino, ranked ninth, also has a licence expiring in October 2026. Fair Play, operated by Janshen-Hahnraths Group, faces the same deadline.

Unibet has more time because it entered later, with its licence expiring on 8 June 2027. ComeOn, ranked 17th by Blask, has until September 2027 and has attracted attention through its agreement to manage evoke’s 888 brand using its Dutch licence.

Renewal Brings Tougher Regulatory Requirements

The current framework requires more than a standard continuation request. Applicants must provide a written exit plan explaining how they would close operations if the KSA refuses renewal. The process also reassesses player protection, advertising and marketing practices.

Operators must disclose breaches from the previous five years and provide evidence of remedial action. Renewal applications also include a new test involving integration with the regulator’s control database.

These requirements reflect changes introduced under the Remote Gambling Policy Rules that took effect on 1 January 2026. Operators therefore face assessment against the current regulatory standard rather than the framework in place when their licences were granted.

Market Economics Add Pressure

The regulatory review comes as operators face a tougher commercial environment. Gambling tax increased from 34.2% in 2025 to 37.8% on 1 January 2026. VNLOK estimated that the black market represented around 25% of Dutch gambling activity in 2025, while the KSA estimated that the legal market accounted for about 49% of GGR early that year.

The regulated sector has also faced tighter advertising controls. Restrictions on role models arrived in 2022, followed by a ban on untargeted advertising in 2023 and a prohibition on betting sports sponsorship in 2025. The government is now considering a wider ban covering betting and gambling advertising.

As the first licence renewals approach, operators must weigh these regulatory obligations against the economics of remaining in the Dutch market. The results could shape the regulated sector after its first five years.

Source:

“Dutch licensees scramble to renew contracts on five-year anniversary”, sbcnews.co.uk. Aug 10, 2026