The Netherlands Senate voted today in favor of the country’s long-awaited online gaming legislation, which was approved by the House of Representatives back in 2014.
The new regulatory regime will allow operators to secure online sports betting and casino gaming licenses to serve Dutch consumers, subject to secondary legislation that is yet to be submitted for European Commission approval.
Today, the Dutch Senate voted in favor of legislation to legalize internet-based gambling, clearing the way for foreign and Dutch firms to apply for licenses.
On Monday, the Financieele Dagblad said some 300 companies have expressed interest in running a gambling website in the Netherlands and about 50 are expected to make a formal application for a license when they are up for grabs next year. Tuesday’s vote comes two years after the lower house voted in favor of allowing third parties to legally offer online gambling.
Holland Casino is the Netherlands’ only state-regulated gambling establishment but foreign firms widely flout the ban and continue to target Dutch punters.
The two Christian parties in the ruling coalition voted against the legislation. They claim allowing more companies to offer online betting will lead to more problems with addiction.
Source: DutchNews.nl
