Do you want to set up gambling activities in the Netherlands and win big in this very lucrative Dutch pastime? The Dutch love games of chance, with more than 8 million people participating in some form of gambling activity every year making it a great sector to invest in.
As of 2020, the Dutch government has a monopoly on certain gambling activities such as physical and online casinos, however, there are plans to privatize the casino business to allow private investors to start a Dutch company in the highly profitable Dutch gambling market.
Investors have many types of gambling activities to choose from, including:
Slot machines
Bingo
Sports betting
Horse racing betting
Lotteries
Online gambling
Games of chance
We are experts in Dutch company formation in the gambling sector, and we can offer you great advice about setting up gambling activities in the Netherlands. Call us now!
Gambling licenses in the Netherlands
Most companies operating gambling activities in the Netherlands require a gambling license from the Dutch Gaming Authority. The main requirements for obtaining a license include:
Submitting evidence proving that the gambling activities present a low risk for the community.
File the following documents to local authorities:
Identity of the owner.
Certificate of incorporation, public or private.
A clean criminal record.
Proof of integrity and competence.
Appoint at least one officer to monitor the company’s compliance with the regulations set out by the Gaming Act.
Set up a responsible gambling fund.
When do you not require a license to operate gambling activities in the Netherlands?
The following operators of gambling-related activities do not require a gambling license:
Dutch companies that produce and supply gambling-related software.
Retailers selling gambling machines.
Foreign casinos operating in the Netherlands.
If the prizes associated with the gambling activities are below €400.
Taxation of gambling activities in the Netherlands
Since 2018, the tax rate levied on gambling activities in the Netherlands is 30.1% annually, however, this may increase in the future. Gambling activities are not subject to VAT (value added tax).
Our agents are experts in Dutch company formation and Dutch Gaming Law. They can offer you great advice for setting up gambling activities in the Netherlands, including advice on any laws, licenses, and taxes that may apply. Call now!
How do I set up a company for gambling activities in the Netherlands
The first thing you have to do when starting a Dutch business is to register a Dutch company with the Dutch Trade Register, which must include the mandatory NACE (Nomenclature of Economic Activities) number. For gambling businesses, the numbers are as follows (depending on the type of operation): Section R; Division 92; Group 92.0; Class 92.00.
A popular type of company for running gambling activities in the Netherlands is a Dutch BV.
To start operating gambling activities in the Netherlands, you must apply for a license from the Dutch Gaming Authority.
To obtain a license, your business must comply with certain legal requirements as set out by the Dutch Gaming Act, including the following:
Starting a casino business in the Netherlands, you have to apply for a license from the Dutch Gaming Authority. To obtain a casino license, you have to meet certain legal requirements set out by the Dutch Gaming Act, these include:
The company must be publicly or privately incorporated.
The business must appoint at least one officer to monitor the company’s compliance with the regulations set out by the Gaming Act.
All businesses operating gambling activities in the Netherlands are required to set up a responsible gambling fund.
If you operate a casino, you will be subject to a license fee of between €1,000 and €50,000 depending on the size of the casino
There are many laws and regulations to set up gambling activities in the Netherlands. Our agents are experts in the laws and regulations that govern gambling activities in the Netherlands. Call us now to discuss how to navigate this the easy way.
Frequently asked questions:
Do I require a license to operate gambling activities in the Netherlands?
Maybe. Gambling activities under certain conditions do not require licenses to operate.
Why is The Netherlands such a good place to start gambling activities?
More than 8 million people in the Netherlands play games of chance every year.
A moderately competitive market that allows small to medium businesses to thrive.
The Netherlands is a major tourist destination with thousands of tourists visiting the country every year.
A highly skilled workforce.
Closely monitored by the Dutch government to ensure the gambling activities stay fair and stable.
Attractive tax rates that draw a lot of investors to the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has a very stable and resilient business environment.
How long does it take to start gambling activities company in the Netherlands?
Starting a Dutch company usually takes between 2-5 days, but since you may require a license to run gambling activities business in the Netherlands, it may take a bit longer. Call us to find out more.
Can I start gambling activities in the Netherlands as a non-Dutch or EU citizen?
Yes. There is currently a push by the Dutch government to privatize the gambling activities in the Netherlands. When this legislation passes, it will allow foreign nationals to run gambling activities in the Netherlands. Foreign companies may operate gambling activities in the Netherlands as long as they are registered within an EU or EEA (European Economic Area) state.
Are you excited to start operating gambling activities in the Netherlands, but are you not sure whether the Netherlands is the right market?
Or if you are considering other EU countries like Greece or Germany, feel free to schedule a free consultation with one of our Dutch business development agents to discuss why operating gambling activities in the Dutch market is perfect for you.
We can help you determine your business proposition, as well as the services you aim to provide and provide you with input and expert guidance on how to present this to the Dutch market.
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