Netherlands
About 14 brick-and-mortar casinos operate in the Netherlands. This translates to millions of visitors, who, on average, spend €109 per visit, each. The Dutch gambling market generates approximately €2 billion annually. Around a third of this revenue goes to charity.
But is gambling even legal here? Who regulates it? Do players pay taxes on gambling wins? That’s the mystery we seek to unravel!
The Dutch Gambling Regulator
Hundreds of online casino operators and investors lust over the Netherlands' gambling market. Of course, you won’t miss one or two illegal operators therein. If left as free as the air, there’ll be an upsurge of illegal gambling in the country. Fortunately, the gambling market in the Netherlands is well under control.
Founded in 2012, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) is the sole gambling regulator in the country. It keeps close tabs on all gambling activities taking place within the state lines. This regulatory body superintends over casino operators and players as per the Gambling Act of 1964.
Responsibilities of the Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit)
The Kansspelautoriteit is an independent regulatory body. It doesn’t function under the influence of any institution. This is despite the Minister for Legal Protection appointing its board members.
That said, here are its major duties:
- Issuing licenses to gambling operators
- Regulating the supply of gambling equipment
- Preventing crime related to gambling and gambling addiction
- Public education on gambling
- Advising the Minister of Justice and Security on matters related to gambling
After acquiring the permit, licensees must adhere to several terms, including:
- Performing under-age gambling checks
- Tax compliance
- Offering independently verified games to gamblers
Some of the NGA-licensed casinos are:
Player Protection
The Netherlands Gambling Authority advocates against illegal gambling in the country. In July 2021, the NGA banned illegal advertising targeting gamblers in the Netherlands.
On top of that, the body announced a fine rule for unlicensed operators in October 2021. The policy aims to punish illegal operators harshly. This promotes a safe and fair gambling environment in the Netherlands.
Surprisingly, the policy seems to scare away potential illegal operators. Unlicensed gambling companies have now gone off the air especially after the NGA fined 7 operators a total of €28 million.
The Kansspelautoriteit only allows operators with the interest of Dutch players at heart. Playing at such casinos guarantees Dutch gamblers fairness of games and the security of their personal information.
When things seem to go south and you can’t control your gambling, there’s help. The Kansspelautoriteit is in close association with AGOG, which helps problem gamblers in the Netherlands to recover.
They hold free and anonymous weekly meetings in various locations across the country. To register, visit AGOG’s official website or call the number 0800 – 2277722.
Where do I Report Unfair Treatment?
A major complaint against casinos usually revolves around winnings. If you get unfair treatment on this or any other issue, there are a couple of ways to settle the issue.
First, reach out to the casino’s customer support. You can do so by email, live chat or any other contact channel available.
Sometimes, the casino’s customer support staff may not offer valuable feedback. In such cases, ask them if you can speak to the casino operator. If they don’t, or if the casino operator doesn’t solve your problem, it’s time for a Plan B.
Plan B, which is the final plan, by the way, is effective. It involves reporting your issue to the Netherlands Gambling Authority. There are several ways to do this.
You can email them at [email protected] or call them at 0703 021 300. They’re also available on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Typically, you’ll need to fill in a complaint form at the NGA’s complaint section on their official website. The authority will then look into the issue and solve it.
Do I Pay Taxes for Casino Wins in the Netherlands?
There is a 29% tax on winnings above €449. This amount is charged at the source. That means your cash-out amount is already taxed.
Remote gambling on locally licensed casinos comes with a 29% tax rate on the Gross Gambling Revenue. This is with the exclusion of a 1.5% gaming levy fee. It also excludes a 0.25% fee that goes to the Gambling Addiction Prevention Fund.
There’s also a 30.1% tax for Dutch gamblers playing at locally unlicensed sites. This tax, however, doesn’t apply to poker especially if the operator is EU-based.
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