Dutch regulator warns operators against taking non-sports bets
The KSA said several providers had offered bets on topics not permitted under Dutch licences.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a notice to sports betting licence holders in the Netherlands to remind them of the limits of their licences. It says its supervision work revealed that several providers were offering bets that did not fall within the licensed category of sports betting.
The types of offerings cited included bets on prize competitions, such as a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The licence holders involved have been addressed, and these bets were immediately removed, the KSA said.
“Pursuant to the Remote Gambling Decree, sports betting licence holders may only offer bets on events during a sports match or on the outcome of a sports match,” the KSA said.
“In addition, a sports competition must take place within organised sport recognised by NOC*NSF or similar international sports organisations.”
Bets on other types of events are not covered by Dutch sports betting licences. This includes, for example, prize competitions where the outcome is determined by a jury or panel and does not result directly from a sports match or an event during a sports match. Bets on events such as political elections or athlete transfers are also not permitted.
The regulator stressed that licence holders remain personally responsible for the gaming offerings they provide, even when using external platforms or sportsbook providers.
“The KSA therefore expects providers to continuously monitor their offerings and take appropriate measures to prevent prohibited bets,” it said. “If unauthorised bets are nevertheless offered, immediate action must be taken. The KSA will continue to supervise the gaming offerings of licence holders.”
While predictions markets haven’t grown as much in Europe as in the US, it’s been suggested that such limitations in betting markets in some jurisdictions could boost their appeal. Last month, the KSA warned Polymarket that it faced the risk of fines in the Netherlands for offering illegal gambling.
