The Netherlands’ online wagering sector, which was supposed to launch in the mid-summer of next year, is delayed for an additional two months.
The decision to push the official launch date beginning July 1 came after the Remote Gambling Act was pushed to be introduced on March 1, 2021, thus the market had to be unveiled 6 months later.
Sander Dekker, Minister for Legal Protection, sent the letter to the lower house of the Dutch parliament, in which he says that the enforcement would have to be delayed for another 2 months, pushing the market launch to a later date than planned.
He said that this creates more room for all parties involved to prepare for the new law coming into effect.
This, however, isn’t the first time Dutch iGaming was postponed. The market was initially supposed to launch in January 1, 2021, but this was pushed to July 1 in November last year by the newly-instated regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).
The preparations to unveil were additionally made difficult because of the worldwide pandemic and Dekker cautioned there would be no more postponements.
He said at the time that he does not rule out the possibility of another slight delay and that he sees the room for additional manoeuvring.
KSA held the talks with stakeholders and they agreed on delaying it entirely.
The regulator said that “the Minister has decided on this timetable after [discussions] with all those involved, including the KSA.”
The elements of its online gaming regulations were sent to the European Commission for approval.
Firms will be required to make their own policy on prevention of betting addition. Punters must set the maximum credit allowed on their account and details of technical standards, reporting requirements and record-holding for licensees.
Bonuses will be banned and firms and players won’t be permitted to advertise gambling-related services between 6 AM and 9 PM.
Source: https://lcb.org/news/dutch-authorities-delay-the-launch-of-online-gaming-yet-again
https://news.tunf.com/dutch-authorities-delay-the-launch-of-online-gaming-yet-again/001619