Best Netherlands Betting Sites

Until a few years ago, the online gambling scene in the Netherlands was shrouded in mystery. All that changed on October 1st, 2021, when the government fully legalised online betting. Today, Netherlands betting sites can operate legally in the country. However, most international brands have not yet applied for a domestic license since they are in a “silent blacklist” period. On Bookmakers.bet, we respect the new gambling regulations, but we will mention all bookies that accept Dutch players.

Among the top betting sites, Bet365 and Unibet have already acquired a local license. Though, many players still choose to take punts on unlicensed bookies. Read on to find a list of the best Dutch betting sites and get the latest information on all the gambling laws and regulations you need to know. Let’s dive right in.

New Betting Sites in the Netherlands

Without further ado, we list the latest betting sites in the Netherlands. Besides the odds value and the number of markers, we mostly focused on whether the website is available in Dutch, as well as if they provide exclusive bonuses and local payment options such as iDeal.

Is Sports Betting in the Netherlands Legal

Until 2021, the sports betting industry in the Netherlands was in a state of monopoly, run by De Lotto and Scientific Games Racing B.V. The only way to place wagers legally was either through their shops or the TOTO website. Even though the government had not given out any local licenses, dozens of international bookmakers were providing their services to Dutch users.

The Remote Gambling Act (KOA), established on October 1st, 2021, has modernised the iGaming market in the country. So the answer to the question, ‘is sports betting legal in the Netherlands’ is yes. Gambling is freely enjoyed in the nation and players can either opt for the local licensees or international bookmakers that have chosen to operate without a domestic license. Below is a list of bookies that have already acquired a local license.

Dutch betting sites that exited the market

As soon as the Remote Gambling Act came into effect, the strict licensing requirements and other harsh restrictions led many bookmakers in the Netherlands to cease their operations. More specifically, international bookies that haven’t applied for a license have been instantly blocked from advertising their products to local players. Moreover, they are not allowed to offer their website in Dutch or provide local payment services, like iDEAL. Thus, even some of the best-rated bookmakers like Bwin and Betsson have chosen not to accept Dutch bettors.

Bookmakers that have not applied yet

Local bettors can access any Netherlands betting sites they prefer. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) does not specifically forbid online betting on foreign brands, meaning that no legal action can be taken against anyone wishing to sign up for an offshore bookie. However, this also means that players are unprotected in the face of scam bookies, as their financial security is not guaranteed when opting for shady operators. Yet, according to the provisions of the Remote Gambling Act, the KSA will heavily fine and consequently revoke the license of any operator who tries to cheat players.

How does the tax work for bookmakers in the Netherlands

According to the current licensing system, all legal Dutch betting sites have financial obligations toward the state. A unified 20% GGR tax (plus another 2% on contributions to the KSA and the Gambling fund) is required from every operator to obtain a 5-year licence. On top of that, every licensed bookie must provide data to the KSA, which will be used for research on gambling addiction. On the plus side, any winnings are tax-free for players.

Responsible Gambling in the Netherlands 

One of the biggest problems with online betting is that it can lead to serious addiction and fortune loss. The government has taken all the necessary measures to prevent that. The Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (CRUKS) is a self-exclusion body that ensures that players will not be able to enter any online bookmakers or land-based shops and casinos. When registering on betting sites in the Netherlands, you must provide your BSN (public service number). This creates a CRUKS code cross-referenced to the list of self-excluded players. If your code matches, you will not be allowed to deposit and play.

What Sports Dutch Betting Sites offer

Football is huge in the region and the number one choice of Dutch bettors. Well-known Eredivisie clubs like Ajax and PSV are often the frontrunners in big events like the UEFA Champions League or the Europa League, which justifies why locals favour them. When it comes to foreign leagues such as the English Premier League or Serie A, bettors can access an excellent variety of features alongside pre-match and live markets. Here, you can find a list of the best football bookmakers available right now. However, sports betting in the Netherlands does not stop there. Other popular sports include field hockey, with the national team showing great potential, having won 17 medals in the Olympics.

Volleyball is wildly popular among Dutch bookmakers, who opt for popular events such as the CEV Champions League to place their bets. We also wouldn’t expect such a cycling-loving audience not to bet on events like the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, where the Dutch have won 40+ gold medals. Fighting sports like kickboxing are also picking up in the preference of local bettors. Interestingly enough, top sports such as horse racing, cricket, basketball, or tennis that are very prominent in other countries do not gather too much attention.

How to deposit on bookmakers in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the world's biggest economies. This is why dozens of payment options are available; luckily, you can use most of them on Dutch betting sites. Among the most common ones, there is iDeal, Zimpler and Cashlib. Let’s have a closer look at each one separately:

iDeal: This is an instant banking method that originated in the NL and more than half the population uses it. This is why iDeal bookmakers are more than prominent. It is one of the safest payment methods since the government regulates it. Moreover, by using the designated QR Code, you can instantly deposit via the mobile application.

Zimpler: Zimpler is a high-security payment method used in countries around the Baltic Sea. You can fund your balance immediately with your card and then deposit it into your account on online bookies. However, some Zimpler betting sites will only allow you to deposit, while withdrawals might be restricted.

Cashlib: A prepaid voucher that is particularly favoured in France and the Netherlands. You have to note that betting with Cashlib is only possible for deposits. Since it is a voucher, you will not be able to request any withdrawals and will have to utilise a different method. On the other hand, it is extremely helpful to control your bankroll and make sure you do not spend more than you can afford.

The future of sports betting in the Netherlands

As it stands, the 20% GGR tax that applies to all licensed bookmakers in the Netherlands doesn’t seem to be lowered. Financially speaking, all that may seem too much and discourage operators from applying. However, brands considering entering the region should note that the impressive GDP per capita (currently 5th in the EU) makes it a very appealing market. In other words, the investment for a license will be more than made up for.

As a result, we expect more big names to apply soon. For the time being, players can freely place their bets on international and local bookies in Holland. In the new regime, though, they will need to impose limits on all their betting accounts, while Responsible Gambling systems are already in place, thanks to CRUKS. Lastly, the user’s identity will have to be verified before they can play on any website.