The law KOA

From April 1, 2021, the new Distance Gambling Act (KOA) will be in effect. From then on, gambling website providers can apply for a license to legally offer online gambling in the Netherlands. Since Oct. 1, 2021, it has been legal to gamble online at licensed websites.

What does the law say about gambling? 

How are you allowed to gamble in the Netherlands? How are companies allowed to offer gambling games? What are the rules for each game of chance? The law describes. Not everyone is allowed to organize games of chance in the Netherlands according to the law. Providers are bound by strict rules.

We list the most important rules: 

Online gambling sites become legal

Since Oct. 1, 2021, it has been legal for online providers to offer gambling games to Dutch consumers. Of course, providers must meet strict requirements. Want to know if the provider you are playing with is legal? Then check the site of the gaming authority.

Addiction prevention

The law lays down requirements for addiction prevention. For example, players must identify themselves and be at least 18 years old. Also, as of Oct. 1, the cruks register went live and checks whether a player is registered there.

In addition, staff must have taken an addiction prevention course and retake it regularly.

Players must be educated about responsible gaming. They must be able to see how risky a game (read more about the risks here) is and where any help can be found. An addiction prevention policy must be drawn up in cooperation with experts by experience.

The playing behavior of players is recorded so that intervention can be made at the moment things get out of hand.