Gambling in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Is online gambling legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, at operators holding a licence from the Kansspelautoriteit. The market opened on 1 October 2021 under the Remote Gambling Act. Playing at a site without a Dutch licence is not a criminal offence for you as a player, but you lose every protection that comes with the legal market. See the Remote Gambling Act and our page on the KSA.

How do I check whether a site has a Dutch licence?

Look up the legal entity, not the brand name, in the public register on the Kansspelautoriteit website. A licensed site also runs a CRUKS check when you log in and offers iDEAL rather than cryptocurrency. Our overview of licensed operators lists the entity behind each brand.

How many licensed operators are there?

Thirty-one companies hold a KSA licence in 2026, of which 28 actually run one or more brands. The first ten licences from 2021 expire around 30 September 2026 and those operators have to apply again from scratch.

What happens if I play at an illegal casino?

Those sites are not connected to CRUKS, so self-exclusion does not reach them, and there is no complaints route if your winnings go unpaid. Dutch courts have ordered several illegal operators to repay players' losses, but recovering money that way takes years. More on illegal casinos in the Netherlands and how to recognise a dubious site.

Which operators has the KSA fined?

Both licensed and unlicensed operators have been sanctioned, mostly over duty of care, CRUKS checks and advertising aimed at young adults. We keep a running overview of KSA sanction decisions and fines.

Can I organise my own lottery or raffle?

Only with permission, and only without a commercial aim. Small local raffles fall under a municipal permit; anything larger needs the KSA. At least 50% of turnover has to go to the stated cause. See organising your own game of chance.

What is the minimum age to gamble?

Eighteen for every form of gambling in the Netherlands. Bonuses and promotions may only be offered to players aged 24 and over, and operators must verify your age before you can deposit.

How do I open an account, and what do I need?

Registration takes a few minutes but always includes identity verification: a valid ID and often a check against your bank details. You also set deposit and time limits before you can play. Step by step in opening a casino account.

Can I play anonymously or without an account?

No. Identity verification is mandatory under anti-money-laundering law, and no licensed Dutch operator can skip it. Sites advertising anonymous play to Dutch residents are operating illegally. More on no-account casinos and pay and play.

Is there a limit on how much I can deposit?

Yes. Net deposit limits have applied since October 2024, with lower ceilings for players aged 18 to 24. Raising your limit is not automatic: the operator has to check whether the amount is affordable for you first.

Which payment methods can I use?

iDEAL is the standard for deposits, alongside cards, bank transfer and e-wallets such as Trustly, Skrill and Neteller. Withdrawals usually go back to the account you deposited from. See iDEAL casinos, PayPal casinos and our overview of all payment methods.

Can I gamble with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency?

Not at a licensed Dutch operator. Crypto is excluded because payments have to stay traceable for anti-money-laundering purposes. Any site offering crypto deposits to Dutch players is unlicensed. Background in crypto gambling in the Netherlands and how Bitcoin is used in the industry.

Do I pay tax on my winnings?

At a licensed online casino or bookmaker, no: the operator pays 37.8% of its gross gaming revenue and you receive your balance in full. Lotteries work differently, with 37.8% due on prizes above €449, deducted before payout. Full detail on our gambling tax page.

What if I win at a foreign operator?

Then the responsibility shifts to you. Winnings at an operator without a Dutch licence must be declared yourself, and the same 37.8% applies above the threshold. That is one of the less obvious costs of playing outside the legal market.

What is RTP, and what is normal?

Return to player is the share of all stakes a game pays back over millions of spins, typically between 92% and 97% on slots. It says nothing about your own session: a 96% slot can take your whole balance in ten minutes. See slot payout percentages and how they differ per game type on Dutch video slots.

Can you beat a slot machine or predict the outcome?

No. Every spin is generated independently by a certified random number generator, so previous results tell you nothing about the next one. There is no system, timing trick or staking pattern that changes the maths. What you can do is choose games with a higher RTP and set a limit beforehand, which is what our page on beating the slot machine is actually about.

Is there a winning roulette strategy?

No staking system removes the house edge, which is 2.7% on European roulette regardless of how you bet. Systems like Martingale change the shape of your results, not the expected value, and they run into table limits fast. We go through the best-known ones on our roulette strategy page and compare tables on Dutch roulette sites.

How do I play bingo for money?

Online bingo for money is only legal at licensed operators, and commercial bingo nights outside that framework need a permit. Our page on playing bingo for money covers where it is allowed and how the rooms work.

What is the Mega Millions jackpot at Holland Casino?

A progressive jackpot linked across Holland Casino's venues, which has paid out several million-euro prizes. It has nothing to do with the American lottery of the same name. See Mega Millions at Holland Casino and the Ultimate Poker jackpot.

Are casino bonuses allowed in the Netherlands?

Yes, but under tight conditions: only to players aged 24 and over, never targeted at people showing risk signals, and always with the terms stated up front. Cashback bonuses are restricted. Current offers are on our bonus overview.

What is a no-deposit bonus?

Credit or free spins you receive without paying in, almost always with wagering requirements attached, so the winnings are not immediately withdrawable. Read the terms before you assume anything is free. See no-deposit bonuses and refer-a-friend bonuses.

Which lotteries are licensed in the Netherlands?

The state-licensed games run by Nederlandse Loterij (Staatsloterij, Lotto, Eurojackpot, Lucky Day, Miljoenenspel, krasloten) and the charity lotteries, which must give at least half their turnover to approved causes. Full list on our Dutch lotteries overview and our page on charity lotteries.

What should I do if I win a large lottery prize?

Take your time before telling anyone, and check whether the advertised figure was gross or net. Nederlandse Loterij offers winners guidance and a cooling-off period before payout of large prizes. See what to do when you win and First Aid for Luck.

What is CRUKS and how do I register?

The national self-exclusion register. Registering blocks you from every licensed Dutch operator at once, online and in venues, for a minimum of six months. You sign up with DigiD in a few minutes, and since April 2026 legal guardians can register clients too. See CRUKS explained.

How do I know whether my gambling is becoming a problem?

Common signals are playing longer than intended, chasing losses, borrowing to play, and hiding it from people close to you. Our self-test gives you an honest read, and the risks of gambling sets out what to watch for. Free and anonymous help is available from Loket Kansspel on 0800-1995, 24 hours a day.

What protections do I have as a player?

Licensed operators must hold your balance in a separate foundation, run real-time checks for risky play, intervene when thresholds are crossed, and give you a complaints route. See player protection rules, our safer-play guidelines and the effects of gambling.

Is there a dress code at Holland Casino?

Neat casual is the standard: no sportswear, beachwear, work clothing or headwear. The exact rules vary a little by venue and by time of day. See the Holland Casino dress code, the Favorites Card and the try-out package.

How do I find a job in the Dutch gambling industry?

Croupier, game presenter and floor roles are the most common entry points, and most employers train you themselves. See careers at Holland Casino, working at the Dutch lottery and our vacancies overview.