Netherlands Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Wagering in Holland

Overview of Sports Betting in the Netherlands

Sports betting in the Netherlands is fully legal and regulated by the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA). The country has embraced a liberal yet structured approach to gambling, allowing both Dutch and international operators to offer sports betting services online under strict licensing conditions. Since October 1, 2021, when the Remote Gambling Act came into effect, the market has seen a surge in licensed platforms, giving Dutch residents a safer and more competitive betting environment.

Legal Framework and Regulation

The legalization of online sports betting is governed by the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand – KOA). This act permits private operators to apply for licenses and offer online betting services to Dutch consumers. The Kansspelautoriteit enforces compliance, ensures player protection, and combats illegal gambling.

Operators must meet the following criteria to obtain a license:

Strong player protection protocols
Transparent payment and data handling
Responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion)
No advertising targeting minors or vulnerable groups
Physical presence in the EU/EEA

Any platform operating without a KSA license is considered illegal and may face heavy fines and domain/IP blocking.

Types of Sports Betting Allowed

Licensed Dutch sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting markets, including:

Football (Eredivisie, Premier League, UEFA Champions League)
Tennis (ATP, WTA, Grand Slams)
Formula 1 (including Max Verstappen’s races)
Basketball (NBA and EuroLeague)
Esports (CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends)
Cycling, Golf, MMA, and more

Both pre-match and in-play (live) betting are permitted. Additionally, Dutch sportsbooks support various bet types such as moneyline, spreads, over/under, accumulators, and prop bets.

Popular Licensed Sportsbooks in the Netherlands

As of 2025, some of the most recognized KSA-licensed operators include:

BetCity.nl
TOTO Sport (state-owned and legacy operator)
Holland Casino Online
Unibet.nl
Bet365.nl
LiveScore Bet

These platforms are known for offering competitive odds, live streaming features, secure payment options, and mobile-optimized experiences.

Payment Methods and Currency

All licensed platforms in the Netherlands support payment methods popular with local users:

iDEAL (the most widely used)
Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Bank transfers
eWallets (Skrill, Neteller)
Apple Pay and PayPal (on selected platforms)

Transactions are conducted in euros (EUR), and withdrawals typically process within 1–3 business days depending on the method chosen.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Dutch law mandates strong consumer protections. Licensed sportsbooks must offer tools such as:

Self-assessment questionnaires
Time and deposit limits
Reality checks
Temporary or permanent self-exclusion
Access to gambling addiction resources like Loket Kansspel

Players are also registered in the Central Exclusion Register (CRUKS) if they opt to self-exclude or if flagged by operators.

Advertising Rules and Age Restrictions

Advertising for sports betting is legal but heavily regulated. Operators cannot target individuals under 24, and there are strict limits on the use of influencers, bonuses, and prime-time television ads. Sponsorships in sports (e.g., football club kits) are currently being phased out due to regulatory updates.

Only individuals aged 18 and older may legally bet on sports in the Netherlands.

Taxation and Winnings

For players, winnings from licensed operators are tax-free, as the operator is responsible for paying any gambling tax due. However, gambling on unlicensed sites may result in taxable income and legal risk.

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers a secure, transparent, and well-regulated sports betting market. With the Kansspelautoriteit actively overseeing operations, Dutch bettors enjoy access to reliable sportsbooks, a wide array of markets, responsible gambling support, and tax-free winnings. Whether you’re backing Ajax in the Eredivisie or betting on Max Verstappen in Formula 1, the Dutch betting ecosystem ensures a balanced and protected environment for all sports fans.