Betsson’s allegations that the Dutch gambling authorities (Kansspelautoriteit) violate the EU regulations have been soundly dismissed by a court in The Hague.
Oranje Casino and Kroon Casino were purchased by Betsson in 2014 for a combined €100m. Although both companies were fully compliant and licensed to operate under the Kansspelautoriteit’s previously loose regulatory regime, in May of 2017, things changed.
The Kansspelautoriteit implemented a new set of regulations specifically designed to restrict international operators from targeting Dutch players.
No National Emblems on International Domains
Under the new rules, they were not allowed to attract Dutch players using national symbols such as windmills or tulips.
In addition to this measure, “nl.” affiliation sites are prohibited from directing Dutch players to “.com” betting sites.
After these two significant changes both casinos were prohibited from operating in the Dutch gambling market, so Betsson launched a legal challenge to these rules, but the court’s decision was clearly not positive for the company.
The upper chamber of the Dutch government is currently working in a full online gambling bill, but so far there has not been any remarkable progress.