Latest News
Dutch-language online casinos topping the agenda as key regulatory date arrives
The Netherlands has always been one of gambling’s European heartlands, but it has been pushed right to the top of the iGaming agenda in recent weeks. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands regulatory body, officially started processing applications for online gambling licenses 01 April, as the six-month countdown began to the online casino market officially opening on 01 October for operators granted a license. René Jansen is the KSA Chairman, and he anticipates that the body will issue approximately 35 licenses in readiness for the official opening.
A blossoming market
Of course, this is welcome news for would-be operators in the Netherlands. But it also has broader implications for the European casino industry. Research by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that online gambling activity in the Netherlands has escalated dramatically, increasing by 150 percent from less than 500,000 people in 2015 to around 1.2 million in 2019. Revenue has increased even more dramatically, showing more than a tenfold rise, from less than €300 million to more than €3 billion over the same timeframe.
Bringing order out of chaos
The new licensing regulations will seek to bring order to what is currently a chaotic online gambling market. Until now, Holland Casino has held a monopoly on gambling within The Netherlands – at least in theory. The problem has always been that overseas operators have welcomed Dutch players to their online platforms with open arms, and attempting to prevent them has been as fruitful as nailing jelly to a wall – and also as messy.
Since 2019, however, with the new roadmap agreed, the KSA has stepped up compliance monitoring and has not been shy about fining big-name operators. In fact, in 2019 alone, it issued 10 such fines for a total amount of €3.5 million. The message could not be clearer – get in line and apply for a license or stay away from the Netherlands! The KSA has even gone so far as to say that operators who have tried to circumvent the rules in the past, for example by offering Dutch language versions of their platforms, will be pushed to the back of the queue.
Broader market opportunities
Yet therein lies an important distinction. Dutch gamblers and gamblers in the Netherlands are not necessarily the same thing. In fact, of the 23 million Dutch-speakers in the world, approximately one in four live outside the Netherlands. Even the most conservative estimates would place that at more than a million Dutch-speaking casino players living outside the Netherlands, and possibly as many as two million.
The implications are clear – with the average player spending €190 per year, there’s a market worth something in the order of a quarter of a billion Euros per year in revenue just ready and waiting for quick-thinking affiliates. Already, we are seeing early movers like Casino Senpai aiming to fill this gap with content and casino listings aimed specifically at this market.
Opportunities for all
Unlike the situation in some emerging markets, gamblers in the Netherlands are not heavily biased towards any one type of gambling. Sports betting is expected to be the larger part of the market, but not by a significant margin. Casino games are also popular, with roulette attracting the most players, and blackjack close behind it.
These are exciting times for the gambling market in the Netherlands, and the new regulations bring a world of opportunity to operators in all niches. The newly licensed operators will also bring a world of choice to Dutch speaking gamblers, so when 01 October comes around, it should be a day of celebration for all.
Latest News
Casino Guru and Mindway AI advance RG self-test game in time for SGW24
Latest News
Gamzix Brings Africa to Life with Book of Zulu – A Game-Changer for Casino Portfolios
On December 3, 2024, Gamzix, a leading full-cycle slot provider known for its high-quality game design, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of its newest slot, Book of Zulu. Crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, Book of Zulu combines the mystery of classic “Book” slots with a fresh African twist. This exciting release adds unique gameplay elements, rich African-themed visuals, and innovative features designed to enhance player engagement.
An Unforgettable African Adventure
Book of Zulu transports players deep into the heart of Africa, blending immersive visuals with a thrilling storyline. To capture the essence of the wild, and give players a sense of Indiana Jones adventure, we recorded the sounds of elephants directly at the zoo, bringing an added layer of authenticity to the experience. At our company, we approach each slot with special care and attention, treating every detail with the same dedication and reverence that we bring to all of our work. Players embark on a journey with an intrepid explorer as they delve into the mysteries of the Zulu people and their sacred book. The African aesthetic runs deep in every aspect of the game, with striking distinctive symbols and authentic cultural references, creating a refreshing alternative to traditional “Book” slots set in ancient tombs.
Unique Game Features and Winning Mechanics
Unlike typical “Book” slots, Book of Zulu introduces dual-expanding symbols within the same free spins round. This feature ensures that players experience a layered winning structure: a lower-value symbol expands first, creating smaller wins, followed by the expansion of a higher-value symbol, delivering larger payouts and building excitement with each win.
In Book of Zulu, players can enjoy Gamzix’s innovative twist on expanding symbols and free spins. At the start of each free spin round, a special symbol with a distinctive golden frame is randomly selected to become an “expander.” When three or more of these symbols land, they expand to cover their reels, maximizing winning potential and creating suspense as each symbol’s expansion leads to escalating rewards.
Free Spins with Rewarding Wild-Scatter Symbols
Gamzix has reimagined the mechanics of both scatter and wild symbols in Book of Zulu. When three or more scatter symbols appear, players are awarded 10 free spins—regardless of the exact number of scatters, keeping the focus on gameplay consistency. Additionally, wild symbols are not just substitutes but powerful multipliers, making every spin a potential game-changer for players.
“Gamzix has designed Book of Zulu to keep players engaged with top-tier animation, intuitive gameplay, and a detailed paytable that rewards from as few as two symbols. Each game element has been tailored to enhance player retention and extend playtime, making Book of Zulu a must-have addition for operators seeking to boost GGR”, says Gamzix’s CCO Lidiia Kosohova.
Latest News
Expert comment: Safer Gambling Week 2024
Safer Gambling Week commentary
As a company focused on generating high-quality, responsible gambling traffic to our operator partner sites, safer gambling is a daily consideration for QiH Group. We recognise Safer Gambling Week as a valuable opportunity to stay engaged with the broader industry conversations and to hear from the community on responsible gambling.
As affiliates are often an initial touchpoint for customers, our priority is maintaining a safe, compliant environment that benefits our partners and, ultimately, their customers.
We believe in supporting a balanced approach where gambling remains what it should be: safe, enjoyable entertainment.
– Andrew Lee, COO, QiH Group
Being a firm of licensing solicitors, one of our principal roles is helping our clients stay compliant with the Licensing Conditions and Codes of Practice, and the licensing objectives, so responsible gambling is something we focus on every day for clients.
It is important that we raise awareness of safer gambling and signpost the professional help and support services that are available to those who need it – ensuring the millions of people who enjoy gambling responsibly continue to do so in a safe environment.
– Nick Arron, Lead Solicitor, Poppleston Allen
-
Asia5 days ago
Hong Kong Construction Titan Turned Macau Casino Boss Lui Che-Woo Dies Aged 95
-
Africa6 days ago
SunBet Extends Online Betting Platform Contract with Bede Gaming Amid Record-Breaking Performance
-
Africa6 days ago
Booming Games Partners with Hollywoodbets to Launch Immersive Slots Games in South Africa
-
Industry News6 days ago
BC.GAME Launches Exclusive Airdrop for Polymarket Users, Rewarding Participation in U.S. Election Prediction Markets
-
eSports6 days ago
Intel commits to developing young talent in universities from the UK and Ireland through UNIVERSITY Esports
-
Australia6 days ago
Vanguard Overwatch is Hardening Gaming Venues Against Financial Crime and Working Towards Minimising Gambling Harm
-
Asia5 days ago
Making Indian Presence Felt: Natural8 India gears up to take a contingent of nine winners of its latest India Exclusive to Asian Poker Tour (APT) Phu Quoc!
-
Asia6 days ago
Key milestone achieved as GiG enters Asia via agreement with Filipino land-based casino group