Dutch gambling regulatory Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has started taking applications for the Dutch gambling market, which will open from 1 October.

Last week, the authority ran into technical difficulties as its online application portal failed to work. However, it managed to be resolved on the same day and the portal was launched on its expected date of 1 April.

The date also marked the day the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) came into force. This act legalised online gambling in the Netherlands, which has subsequently required the portal to be up and running.

Through the KSA’s digital portal, eager companies can send applications that will need to be reviewed by the regulator.

The process involves sending an application that meets the regulators’ standards, meaning the file must be readable, include attachments on policy and a fee of €48,000 (£40,672) paid.

Each applicant must also include a description of the gaming system and have assessment reports regarding the components of their gaming systems.

The KSA also insists that applications must be submitted before 15 April to give it time to review and hand out licences efficiently well before the launch of the Dutch market.

Those who submit their application within the time frame and meet all standards will then need to meet the assessment criteria set out by the KSA. If this is met, a licence can be handed out at the same time.

The KSA says that by handing out licences early, it gives all operators a fair and level playing field for October’s launch.