Ahead of the launch of the online market in October, the Dutch Government has announced various amendments to fees and levies, with the figures to last for the next 10 years

The decision was made due to increased costs related to regulating the new online market that would be incurred by the Kansspelautoriteir Gaming Authority (KSA).

Apart from online gambling operators, lotteries, slots and land-based casinos will all see their levy contributions increase, albeit slightly. The former specifically will pay a total of 1.95% on their gross gaming revenue. This is up from 1.75%, and 0.25% will still be directly funding responsible gaming efforts.

In a statement explaining their decision, the Dutch government said that the gambling levy had not been indexed for price inflation and wage cost developments since its introduction on 1 April 2012.

“This has the consequence that the levy amounts and levy percentages are no longer sufficient to cover the costs of the KSA in the context of supervision and enforcement.

“The Gambling Act stipulates that the KSA is financed by the sector. This, in addition to supervision and enforcement, also applies to the development and implementation costs of the KSA in connection with the entry into force of the KOA (Remote Gambling) Act. These costs are higher than was foreseen when that law had yet to be passed.”

With regards to licensing, there will be an immediate reduction in processing fees from €48,000 to €28,000 for lotto and casino operators. The €48,000 fee for online gambling operators will remain the same.

The Dutch Remote Gambling Act finally came into effect on 1 April with the market to launch on 1 October. KSA recently said it expects to grant 35 licences for online gambling ahead of October.

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