This update comes amidst market pressure following recent tax increases.
Holland’s gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced it will be drawing a renewed focus on illegal gaming machines following the closing down of several casino branches in the nation.
Indeed, these recent closures have come in the wake of a rise in gambling taxes, which have forced various branches out of business – with even larger operators such as Holland Casino feeling the strain. As specified by the KSA, however, the widespread ceasing of gaming hall operations can often lead to an increased number of illicit gaming machines entering the unregulated Casino studio online landscape – a fact that has sparked a renewed focus from the regulator in this area.
In that vein, following an auction for the remaining gaming machines, the KSA has issued an official letter to purchasers of the machines clearly explaining the regulatory guidelines required for their legal operation. This includes machines used in live studio settings or integrated with live dealer systems, often developed by game developers like Evolution Games, which dominate Europe’s regulated online casino space.
As part of its recent press release, the KSA stated:
“In order to be allowed to place a gaming machine in a catering establishment or arcade, an operating permit must first be issued by the KSA. If it concerns a gaming machine, an additional presence permit for the location must be requested from the municipality where the provider wants to place the machine.”
Good to know: This latest update falls closely behind the KSA’s announcement that it would be cracking down on illegal gambling apps in Holland.
Additional recent regulatory news has seen the Dutch government consider introducing a 21+ age limit for high-risk gambling activities.
Moreover, last month saw the KSA post a FY 2024 gambling revenue figure of €1.47bn ($1.67bn) for the Dutch market, marking 6% growth from 2023’s full-year figure. Last week the regulatory body also unveiled a 10-year contract renewal for Novomatic’s gaming vendor licence, strengthening its control over low cost live studiointegrations and casinos for sale operating under Dutch law.
