SpinCore's Hard Rock Casino Secures Dutch Sports Betting Approval
The Malta-based operator has received a licence from the Kansspelautoriteit to add a sportsbook to its Netherlands-focused online casino platform, effective from 12 September.
- Hard Rock Casino, operated by SpinCore Group, has been granted a sports betting licence by the Dutch regulator, the KSA.
- The Netherlands-specific brand is a separate entity with no affiliation to the global Hard Rock International or Hard Rock Digital.
- The launch occurs as the Dutch market faces a 38.7% GGR tax rate and a potential complete ban on gambling advertising.
Hard Rock Casino has announced its expansion into the Dutch sports betting market following regulatory approval from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The licence, which became effective on 12 September, was granted to iCasion BV, the locally registered company that runs the Hard Rock Casino NL domain. The Netherlands-focused platform is operated by the Malta-headquartered SpinCore Group, which will now add a sportsbook to its existing online casino offering in the country.
It is important to note that the Hard Rock Casino brand operated by SpinCore Group is entirely separate from the global gaming and betting business, Hard Rock Digital. There is no operational or corporate association between the Dutch-licensed entity and the well-known conglomerate Hard Rock International.
Navigating a Challenging Market
The brand's entry into the sports betting vertical comes at a time of significant regulatory pressure and financial demands within the Dutch regulated market. Operators in the Netherlands are subject to a tax rate of 38.7% on gross gaming revenue (GGR), one of the higher rates in Europe. The approval for Hard Rock Casino follows a series of licences granted by the KSA in early September to a number of established operators, including TOTO Online, Holland Casino, bet365, Play North, FairPlay Casino, Bingoal, BetCity, and GG Poker, creating a highly competitive environment for new entrants.
Furthermore, the market is contending with a progressively restrictive approach to marketing. Dutch policymakers are currently advancing plans to implement a full ban on gambling advertising, a move that would fundamentally alter how licensed firms can attract and retain customers. This follows earlier restrictions that have already limited television, radio, and outdoor advertising.
The difficult advertising climate is further underscored by recent industry action. VNLOK, the primary trade body for regulated Dutch betting firms, has initiated legal proceedings against social media corporation Meta. The organisation has summoned Meta to court, citing concerns over the widespread promotion of illegal gambling services across its platforms, which VNLOK argues undermines the regulated market.
These regulatory and competitive challenges exist alongside the ongoing struggle to direct players towards the legal market. Estimates for 2025 have suggested that the channelisation rate to offshore betting companies in the Netherlands could be as low as 49%. This indicates that nearly half of the market may still be utilising unlicensed operators, posing a persistent problem for both the regulator and legally compliant businesses.
