The Netherlands, known for its tulips, canals, and windmills, is also a country where gambling is popular. In recent years, online casinos have become more and more common in the Netherlands.
But what are online casinos? How do they work? Are they legal? And what should you know before playing?
Let’s go through all of this in simple words!
An online casino is a website or app where you can play casino games on your computer or smartphone.
These games are just like the ones in real-life casinos:
With online casinos, you don’t need to travel to a real building — you can play from home, at a cafe, or even on the train!
Good news! Online casinos are legal in the Netherlands, but only if they have a license.
In October 2021, the Dutch government made a law called the Remote Gambling Act. This law says:
✅ Online gambling is legal
✅ But only licensed companies can offer it to Dutch players
✅ Players must be over 18 years old
So, if you want to play, always check that the online casino has a license from the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit). This makes sure the casino is fair, safe, and follows the rules.
Playing at an online casino is easy if you follow these steps:
1️⃣ Choose a Licensed Casino
Look for an online casino that has a Dutch license. This is the safest choice.
2️⃣ Create an Account
Sign up by entering your name, email, and other details.
3️⃣ Verify Your Age
You must show that you are 18 or older. Sometimes you need to send a photo of your ID.
4️⃣ Deposit Money
Use iDEAL (a popular Dutch payment system), bank transfer, or credit card to put money into your account.
5️⃣ Pick a Game
Choose from slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, or sports betting.
6️⃣ Play and Enjoy
Start playing! Always decide before how much money you are okay to spend.
7️⃣ Withdraw Winnings
If you win, you can ask the casino to send your money back to your bank account.
There are a few reasons why Dutch players like online casinos:
✔ Easy Access
You can play from anywhere, at any time.
✔ Many Game Choices
Online casinos have hundreds or even thousands of games.
✔ Small or Big Bets
You can choose to play with small amounts (just for fun) or big amounts (for bigger prizes).
✔ Bonuses and Free Spins
Many online casinos give welcome bonuses or free spins to new players.
✔ Legal and Safe
With the new Dutch law, players can feel safer when choosing a licensed casino.
Even though online casinos can be fun, there are some important things to remember:
⚠️ Gambling Can Be Addictive
It’s easy to spend more money than you planned. Always set a limit and stick to it.
⚠️ Know the Rules
Each game has its own rules. Learn them before you play with real money.
⚠️ Watch for Scams
Only play at casinos with a real Dutch license. Unlicensed sites may cheat or not pay winnings.
⚠️ Age Limit
You must be 18 or older. Never lie about your age.
⚠️ Protect Your Data
Use a strong password and never share your account details with anyone.
The Dutch online casino market is growing fast. More companies are getting licenses, and more players are joining every day.
In the future, we may see:
The government is also focusing on responsible gambling, meaning they want to protect players from gambling too much.
Online casinos are a fun way for Dutch players to enjoy games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and more — all from home. But remember:
✅ Always choose a licensed casino.
✅ Play responsibly and set limits.
✅ Make sure you understand the games before playing.
✅ Have fun, but never risk money you can’t afford to lose.