New Growth for Online Gaming in the Netherlands
After two years of steady growth, the online casino sector in the Netherlands appears poised for more growth in 2024, according to the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch regulatory authority for gambling. Following an adjustment period after the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), the regulated online gambling market in the Netherlands continues to show promising growth.
The KOA Law
The Remote Gambling Act, or KOA, has been in effect since April 1, 2021, after years of political debate. This law on online gambling marked a turning point for the Dutch online gambling industry. Various operators have already submitted their applications for an online gambling license, while others are still being processed by the KSA. Just a year after the official opening of the market in October 2021, the gross gaming revenue had already reached €3.4 billion, a successful first year for the operators who were early entrants.
With the KOA law, the KSA aimed to direct at least 80% of players to regulated sites. This goal has been largely achieved, as nearly 93% of Dutch players now use authorized platforms, up 1% from the previous six months. Additionally, 98% of new players, who had never played before the market opened, now use licensed sites.
Since the initial issuance of 10 licenses, several more operators have been approved in the Netherlands, and the market is expected to welcome several new operators in 2024. This will offer even more choice to Dutch players.
Optimistic Outlook for 2024
The online gambling industry has experienced booming growth in recent years across Europe, driven by factors such as accessibility and the rise of 5G networks which have greatly improved access to digital platforms. Online casinos have adapted to this trend by diversifying their game offerings, especially with the emergence of live dealer games and mobile gambling.
In the Netherlands, based on gambling data from other countries, the KSA expects an annual growth of 13 to 15%. The online casino market in 2024 is even expected to reach the higher end of this estimate. Statista also predicts a 7.99% increase in the Dutch iGaming market between 2023 and 2027, reaching a market volume of €1.368 billion in 2027.