Can you play casino games in the Netherlands using cryptocurrencies? What are the best games and bonuses? Find out in our NL crypto gambling guide.
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At present, gambling is not only legal in the Netherlands but it is actually undergoing a new start following the most recent legislative changes. In 2021, the Dutch gambling market officially opened. This was a groundbreaking event that put the beginning of a new era in the local casino industry.
The Netherlands have not been too lenient with gambling in the past. That is why the introduction of the law to pass online gambling in February 2021 can be seen more as a clever business move rather than a profound change in direction.
However, the most important consequence of the state’s regulatory action is the creation of a legal and transparent gambling market. The positive impact is clear: A healthy casino industry can only benefit both players and operators.
That said, how did the Netherlands conclude that such a significant legislative change was necessary? The answer to this question is simple and logical. A combination of factors made the Dutch government take the decisive step to legalize online gambling. Some of the major ones include rapid technological growth, the recent pandemic that left people locked at home, and the efforts of online gaming providers. Read below as we explore the newly formed Dutch online gambling market.
The Netherlands is a country known for its aptitude to embrace the new and take it to higher levels. Over the years, various authorities within the state, such as the Finance Minister, have expressed a willingness to lead the European Union toward a cryptocurrency revolution.
However, others have spoken strongly against the adoption of cryptocurrency in the Netherlands. One example is the Director of the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis, who said the state should ban crypto. In his words, a crash was inevitable to happen and outlawing crypto was a necessary precaution. The officer went on further to explain that a crypto market regulation would legitimize digital assets, thus worsening the situation. The Dutch Finance Minister countered that legalization and regulation would be more effective than banning.
The Dutch Central Bank has been somewhat cautious regarding digital assets. It has repeatedly warned against their volatility and high risk. However, the Bank is also favorable toward introducing Central Bank Digital Currencies. It has gone so far as to explore different opportunities, including collaborations with other Eurozone Central Banks. There is a project for advancing the prototyping of the digital euro.
You must probably know that the Netherlands has been quite open to subjects that often face social stigma in other places. However, this has not always been the case with gambling.
Gambling is by no means new to the Dutch. Noblemen and ordinary people alike have been indulging in different games of luck since the early Middle Ages. Historians have dated the first state-issued betting licenses back to the 14th century. According to their records, the local government has always been very strict in preventing gambling fraud.
However, the first modern-day gambling industry regulation was introduced in 1964. The so-called Betting and Gaming Act became the ruling piece of legislation. It was very comprehensive and encompassed everything from basic card games to sports betting. The regulation was very strict and said that a certain gambling activity would be “prohibited unless licensed.”
While the Betting and Gaming Act was quite relevant at the time of its introduction, as time passed, it grew outdated. That is why, in 2012, the Dutch Gaming Authority was established as an independent regulator. Its goal is to supervise all games of chance and protect players, including their mental and physical health, and combat illegal gambling.
The Gambling landscape in the Netherlands drastically changed once the 2021 changes took place to legalize online gambling. To begin with, it grew significantly. In fact, the Dutch exceeded their three-year channelization plan within the initial 12 months. What is more, statistics show that 8 out of 10 players are currently gambling at licensed online casinos.
According to data released several months ago, the Dutch licensed online gambling gross market amounted to $600.74 million for Half 1 of 2022. Monthly, this would mean approximately $85.84 gross per month. With the World Cup in football, these numbers are expected to skyrocket.
Interestingly enough, Dutch players’ top gambling choice is not slot machines. Local gamblers rather prefer casino games like roulette and blackjack. Current market statistics show that 73 % of the gross gaming result comes from those two games. Second is sports betting with approximately 25 %.
Dutch players also love to play against each other. That is why poker and bingo are also very popular. According to the latest data, they account for $3.16 million per month. Horse betting is also much liked. Its estimated share is about 0.2 % of the gross betting revenue.
Players from the Netherlands are not new to online casino gambling. That is why they are used to taking advantage of different bonuses and promotions. The most popular ones include welcome packs with generous cash matches and many free spins. Other common bonuses include rewards from tournaments and competitions and participation in loyalty programs.
The most important thing is to check whether the bonuses have fair terms. Some offers claim to give you no deposit and no wagering cash and free spins but instead tie you to restraining conditions. However, there are also many high-quality offers that truly add value to your game.
Top-rated casinos in Netherlands selected by our experts
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