Netherlands igaming market “to become one of Europe’s biggest”
A report from Online Casino Ground concludes that the country could build one of the largest markets on the continent.
The Netherlands.- A report released by Online Casino Ground says that the Netherlands’ online gambling market “is set to become one of Europe’s biggest”.
The Netherlands’ regulated igaming market is due to launch on October 1.
The report from Online Casino Ground, a Dutch online casino information hub, predicts that sports betting will be the most popular market after lotteries, followed by online casino gaming which will be legalised in the country through the implementation of the much-delayed Remote Gaming Act on April 1.
The hub’s research found that among casino products, roulette is the most played by Dutch customers (38 per cent), followed by blackjack (31 per cent) and slots (25 per cent). Bingo, baccarat and online poker make up the remaining 12 per cent.
Online Casino Ground said: “With the new Dutch legislation finally just a matter of weeks away we are excited to see the potential that lies ahead for incoming operators and other stakeholders.
“The data points towards a healthy start for the online market with players ready to embrace the new offering.
“There is no surprise that many major industry names have expressed an interest in entering the Dutch market.
“The legalisation of online gambling in the Netherlands comes at a time when the Dutch player is primed to welcome legal offerings, willing to spend more money than many of their European counterparts, and additional gambling options will entice a whole new audience.”
It predicted that the Dutch market will have higher potential revenue than that of Germany, which is also regulating online gambling this year.
The number of active Dutch players is estimated to have increased from 500,000 in 2015 to 1.2 million in 2019, while gross gaming revenue rose from €296m to €3.1bn.
The report noted the extent of unlicensed operations in the Dutch gambling market. It estimated that current restrictions have pushed 50 per cent of sports bettors to the black market.
