The Rotterdam court has ordered Betsson to refund €530,000 to a Dutch player who lost money on its platforms between 2014 and 2019, even though the operator did not have a licence to operate legally in the Netherlands. The decision is based on the illegality of gambling contracts entered into without local authorisation, making the player’s deposits recoverable, with interest and legal costs. The case could set an important legal precedent, paving the way for other similar complaints and reminding operators of their obligation to comply strictly with national regulations.
This is a landmark decision in the online gambling sector. The Rotterdam District Court recently ordered Swedish giant Betsson to pay back more than half a million euros to a Dutch player for offering gambling without a valid licence in the Netherlands.
A landmark ruling in Rotterdam
On 15 April 2025, the Rotterdam District Court handed down a major decision ordering Betsson to repay almost €530,000 to a Dutch player. This amount includes €385,378 in deposits made between 2014 and 2019 on unauthorised platforms in the Netherlands, as well as €144,622 in interest and €5,751 in legal costs .
The court ruled that the gambling agreements between the player and the operators BML Group Limited and Corona Limited were void, as the latter offered online gambling services without a valid licence in the Netherlands. As Betsson did not appear at the hearing, the judgment was rendered by default in favour of the plaintiff.
A precedent for other disputes
The court made it clear that unlicensed online gambling activities in the Netherlands are illegal, rendering contracts between players and the operators concerned legally unenforceable.
Deepak Thakoerdien, founder of Dynamiet Nederland, the organisation representing the player, said:
‘This ruling confirms that the players concerned can not only recover their losses, but that they are also entitled to interest on the interest. Cumulated annually, this compensatory interest can therefore increase considerably, as we can see today.’
This is not the first time that Betsson has faced unfavourable court rulings in the Netherlands. Earlier this year, a court in the north of the Netherlands ordered the company to repay €119,634 to another player for similar unlicensed activities.
These decisions could prompt other players who have suffered losses on unlicensed platforms to take legal action to recover their funds. They also highlight the legal risks faced by operators who fail to comply with local regulations.
Betsson’s current position
Betsson originally applied for a licence from the Dutch gaming regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), but withdrew its application in July 2023, citing ‘significant delays’ in the process. However, Betsson could soon make its official entry into the Dutch regulated market with the acquisition of Goldrun Casino. This strategic transaction would allow Betsson to reposition itself legally in the Netherlands after several years of unauthorised activity. However, the acquisition remains subject to the approval of the Ksa, which has not yet given the green light.
The company said it is currently reviewing the Rotterdam court’s decision and assessing the next steps to be taken.