Betsson: acquisition of Goldrun Casino on hold
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7 Apr 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes In February 2024, Betsson AB announced the acquisition of Goldrun Casino for €27.5 million in order to gain a lasting foothold in the Dutch online gaming market. However, more than a year later, the deal has stalled, as the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has still not given its approval. The reason for the delay is a mandatory integrity investigation imposed by the Dutch regulator on any new licensee, a strict process designed to ensure market transparency. Goldrun Casino, which has held a licence since 2022, represents a strategic player for Betsson, which had given up on obtaining its own licence following regulatory difficulties.
In February 2024, Swedish gaming giant Betsson AB announced its intention to acquire Goldrun Casino for €27.5 million. The move was intended to strengthen Betsson’s presence in the Dutch online gaming market. However, more than a year later, the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has still not given the go-ahead for the transaction.
Goldrun Casino: an established player on the Dutch market
Goldrun Casino, operated by Holland Gaming Technology, obtained its licence from the Ksa in September 2022 and launched operations in November of the same year. The casino offers a range of online casino games and sports betting, consolidating its position in the Dutch market.
An extended approval process
According to Betsson AB’s latest annual report, published in April 2025, the acquisition of Goldrun Casino remains on hold, awaiting approval from the Ksa. The report does not specify the exact reasons for the delay, but it is common for such transactions to be subject to scrutiny by the regulatory authorities.
Betsson is no stranger to regulatory challenges in the Netherlands. In 2014, the company acquired online casinos Oranje Casino and Kroon Casino. However, due to the lack of clear regulation at the time, these brands faced sanctions from the Ksa. In 2018, Betsson was fined €300,000 for targeting Dutch players without a proper licence.
With the Dutch Remote Gaming Act coming into force in October 2021, Betsson initially attempted to obtain a licence to operate legally in the Netherlands. However, delays and regulatory hurdles led the company to withdraw its application in July 2023.
The acquisition of Goldrun Casino was then considered as an alternative to enter the regulated Dutch market.
The central role of the Ksa in acquisitions
At the heart of the delays surrounding Betsson’s acquisition of Goldrun Casino is an inescapable and often rigorous process: the integrity investigation conducted by the Ksa. This type of investigation is a mandatory step for any takeover of a company holding an online gaming licence in the Netherlands. Before a change of ownership or management can be approved, the new managers must first pass this in-depth assessment.This check, although essential to guarantee a reliable and transparent market, can considerably lengthen the timetable for an acquisition. The authorities carefully examine the background of the future owners, their compliance with ethical standards and their ability to manage a gaming operator within a regulated framework. If there is the slightest doubt, or if the documents requested are incomplete, the procedure is suspended until clarification.