KSA Announces the Launch of Dutch iGaming Market in 2021

The chairman of the Dutch gambling regulatory body, René Jansen, officially announced the launch date of this country’s regulated iGaming market.

The head of Kansspelautoriteit revealed that the market will be launched in January of 2021…

…even though many were hoping that it would happen much sooner.

More on the Newly Regulated Market

The state’s Remote Gambling Act finally, after many years of waiting, got the necessary approval from the Dutch Senate in February.

But, Mister Jansen revealed that he expects it to come into force not before July 1, 2020…

…and this is the official date when operators will be able to start applying for licenses.

So, since the regulator needs a certain amount of time to review the applications and get everything ready for the official launch of the market, it apparently won’t be possible before the beginning of 2021.

More Work to Be Done

But, that’s not all. The Netherlands Ministry of Security and Justice first has to set up the technical regulations that would make the foundation for the legislation.

After finishing the necessary requirements, the regulatory body will be able to establish license conditions that all potential operators would have to adhere to.

That is why KSA launched a public consultation on consumer protection controls in March this year…

…while also inviting all potential operators to on the official KSA website if they are interested to offer their services in the Netherlands.

That way, the regulator will have a complete picture of the number of applications the state can expect in July next year.

A Word from the Chairman

“It is important for the KSA to know how many licence applications we can expect in the future. This information will allow us to organise the licensing process properly. A smooth process is not only in our own interest but also in the interest of the companies that are going to apply for a licence,” Chairman Jansen explained.

He also said that the regulatory body is already feeling pressure to get everything done on time.

“However, we are doing everything in our power to get it done. If we cannot manage with our permanent staff, we will hire external staff,” he added.

Hebben Steps Down

Also, the director of the Dutch iGaming operator association, Speel Verantwoord, Mister Rutger-Jan Hebben…

…has recently decided to step down from his role.

Hebben has been working as a director of this association ever since it was established back in 2014.

But, the has decided to quit and focus on other business interests after the approval of the Remote Gaming Act.

“I am pleased that all our efforts have led to a transparent online gambling licensing system in the Netherlands. This is in the interest of both consumers and market parties. Now that this milestone has been reached, I will focus on my own company, but I look back with satisfaction on what we have achieved,” Hebben said.

The new director will be a former Zeal Networks and Lottovate director Peter-Paul de Goeij. He will take up Hebben’s spot from July 1st of this year.

“The regulation of online games of chance has come a lot closer, and the companies d with Speel Verantwoord are grateful to Rutger-Jan for his efforts in achieving this. We wish him every success in the future, and we are happy to have found a good successor in Peter-Paul de Goeij,” Hebben concluded.

Source:

“KSA chair sets January 2021 launch date for Dutch igaming market”, igamingbusiness.com, June 5, 2019.