Dutch Legal Online Gambling to Go Ahead in 2015

The Netherlands is planning to open its online gambling market to outside competition in 2015, effectively ending a state monopoly, according to draft legislation published last week.

Dutch online gambling reforms

Operators of online casinos, poker rooms and sportsbooks will be required to meet very strict conditions in order to qualify for a licence under the new legal online gambling regime. This includes making contributions to a special fund for responsible gambling and assisting with a national register of players who break self-imposed limits.

Proceeds from online gambling will be taxed at a rate of 20 percent, compared to the 29% currently payed by state monopoly Holland Casino and arcade owners. According to the government, this lower rate is designed to encourage new operators to enter the Dutch egaming market.

If passed, the proposed legalization would overturn a 50-year old law that bans foreign firms from operating in the Netherlands. The European Union has long pressured the Netherlands and other countries to overturn anti-competitive laws that are widely ignored by illegal gambling sites.

Amsterdam gambling conference

As the Netherlands gears up for legal reforms, its biggest city Amsterdam is preparing for the iGaming Super Show on June 11-14. The world's biggest online gambling exhibition and conference brings you seven different shows in one location, including parleys on local gaming, social gambling and a whole lot more.

Speakers at the various events will include American Gaming Association CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf and Playtech CEO Mor Weizer, which means that attendants can expect the most up-to-date information on the gaming industry.

Online Casino Reports is participating in the event as a marketing partner.