Sportech Racing receives Dutch tote betting licence

h gaming authorities have granted the first licence to offer tote betting on horse racing to London-based gaming and sportsbook operator Sportech Racing.

The licence was awarded following the company meeting pre-approved criteria and passing through a comprehensive selection and award phase designed to examine its suitability to conduct tote betting in the Netherlands.

Interested parties were required to submit applications for tote licences to authorities by 30 December 2016 in order to be considered for licence approval. Sportech were granted a six month temporary licence extension in December of 2016, while its new licensing application was considered by authorities. Under current legislation operating a horseracing sportsbook is illegal in the Netherlands without prior approval and licence by the Dutch Gaming Authority, the Kansspelautoriteit.

Sportech Racing becomes the first and thus far only provider to secure a licence to operate tote betting in the Netherlands, with the new licence being valid for a period of five years.