Launch of Netherlands online gambling market delayed further
The Netherlands will be delaying the launch of the regulated gambling market by two months. The pushback was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the complication it caused.
Minister for Legal Protection of the Ministry of Justice and Security, Sander Dekker, said the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) will face further delays, likely coming into effect on 1 March 2021. The adjusted date is several months later than the previous one.
In order to properly launch the regulated market, the Dutch regulatory body Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) will have to check and approve online operational licenses, which could take about six months after the KOA goes into effect.
The pushback on the act also means the whole process will be delayed as well, with 1 September the estimated date the market will open, instead of the previous 1 July date. KSA works with regulators in Malta to ensure proper supervision of online gambling.
KOA was delayed in November of last year, and half a year later Dekker stated in June that another pushback was likely, mostly due to the restrictions during the pandemic. He also said, “This creates more space for all parties involved to prepare for the new law coming into effect.”
Operators need to prepare for the new market and the restrictions that come with it, such as keeping self-excluded gamblers off their sites.
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