KSA Renews Licences for Original Eight Dutch iGaming Operators

The Dutch gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has confirmed the renewal of licences for the eight igaming operators that have been active since the market’s re-regulation in 2021. Entain’s BetCity brand was among the group to be granted a new five-year operating permit by the authority.

All providers that were active upon the market’s opening have now been granted extensions. The full list of companies receiving renewals includes BetCity, Holland Casino Online, Fair Play Online, Kansino, bet365, Bingoal, GGPoker, and Toto. According to the KSA, seven of these operators are now accredited to continue their activities until 31 October 2031, confirming the five-year duration of the new licences.

Provisional Renewal for Lotto BV

Alongside the igaming renewals, the KSA also announced its decision on the state monopoly operator, Lotto BV. The regulator has extended the company's three monopoly licences for an additional five years, covering lottery games, instant lotteries, and land-based sports betting.

This renewal, however, is conditional. Its continuation is dependent on the outcome of a significant legal challenge currently before the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State, the Netherlands' highest administrative court. The case is examining the legality of the monopoly system itself, particularly whether awarding licences via private negotiation is permissible under current law.

The KSA issued a statement clarifying the timing of its decision, noting that it was compelled to act due to the imminent expiry of Lotto BV’s existing permits. The regulator emphasised its primary goal is to ensure there is no interruption to the legal supply of these specific gambling products for Dutch consumers. The authority aims to guarantee this continuity even after 31 December 2026.

The authority has outlined the potential consequences should the court rule against the current monopoly framework. If the Council of State determines that awarding contracts through private negotiation is no longer allowed, the KSA has confirmed that the newly issued licences for Lotto BV could be revoked.

In the event of a revocation, the regulator has put a transition period in place. Any cancellation of Lotto BV’s licences would not be enforced for at least one year after the court delivers its final judgment. The KSA explained this would provide the necessary preparation time for the authority to manage the transition.

A further condition has been attached regarding the ownership of the monopoly operator. The KSA stated that if Lotto BV undergoes privatisation at any point during the new licence period, the regulator will conduct an assessment to determine how the change of control affects the licence and whether it can be continued or should be revoked.