The application period for casino licenses in the Netherlands will close in April
According to the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), this temporary measure is aimed at companies that have specifically targeted Dutch consumers in their marketing efforts. The intention behind this policy is to support the long-term development of the market. Operators that choose not to apply for a license will face challenges in attracting new users, while the majority of customers are expected to play on licensed sites.
The evaluation period was introduced in response to a proposal from a group of officials, which stated: "The government is urged to provide licenses to gambling organizers who, although currently unlicensed, have actively targeted the Dutch market and have been operating here for a continuous period of at least two years."
Will this initiative help legalize all major players in the Dutch shadow market?
Initially, it was expected that this policy would apply only to those offering localized content. However, observers noted that in such cases, the regulatory body would have very few grounds to deny a license application. As a result, Dutch Minister of Legal Protection Sander Dekker issued a new directive in September 2021, instructing the KSA to end the application review period for illegal operators, which will conclude on April 1. From that point on, the KSA will place greater emphasis on addressing illegal online gambling activities, with organizers facing legal repercussions.
Following the end of the application review period, efforts to block the websites of shadow gambling companies are expected to commence.
In related news, PopOk Gaming has announced the launch of its new online slot, Hot Muchacho.
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