Ksa Grants First Follow-On Online Gambling Licences to Eight Dutch Operators for 2026-2031 Term
The Ksa approved follow-on licences for eight operators effective 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2031. This is the first renewal round after the 2021 market opening, applying updated rules that emphasize five-year compliance records, policy change notifications, and exit plans. All eight met standards despite some receiving undisclosed additional points for attention.
SCCG Take — The decisions set a clear benchmark for the maturing Dutch regime: compliance history now drives outcomes. Operators should integrate the new documentation requirements into core operations to avoid similar observations in subsequent cycles.
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has approved the first eight follow-on licences for operators in the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market. The new licences take effect on 1 October 2026 and run until 30 September 2031, granting the holders another five years of market access following the initial permits issued when the market opened on 1 October 2021.
The approved operators are TOTO Online B.V., Holland Casino N.V., Play North Limited, FPO Nederland B.V., Bingoal Nederland B.V., Hillside (New Media Malta) Plc, NSUS Malta Limited and Betent B.V.. Their brands include TOTO and Winnitt, Holland Casino Online, Kansino, FairPlay Casino, Bingoal, Bet365, GG Poker and Betcity. According to reporting by Casino News Daily, these decisions mark the first renewals after operators completed the initial five-year licensing cycle.
Greater Regulatory Focus on Compliance History
The renewal process gave the Ksa a longer record to examine than at market launch. For follow-on applications the regulator explicitly considers violations definitively established during the previous five years. Applicants were required to explain how they addressed earlier breaches and the steps taken to prevent recurrence.
The Ksa noted that several operators received “additional points for attention” after assessment. It did not disclose which companies received those observations. All eight applicants nevertheless satisfied the requirements and will remain active in the regulated market.
Updated Framework Shapes Follow-On Licensing
The approvals follow the Ksa’s revision of remote gambling licensing rules from 1 January 2026. The updated framework requires applicants to submit a document explaining how they will keep the regulator informed of significant changes to policies or business operations. Operators must also provide an exit plan detailing how gambling activities would be wound down if the licence ends.
Further follow-on licensing decisions will follow as other operators reach the end of their initial terms. The process places compliance history more explicitly within the licensing review.
Regulatory Expectations for the Next Cycle
The first batch of renewals confirms that established operators can meet the heightened standards introduced for the second licensing period. The undisclosed points for attention nevertheless indicate specific areas where even compliant firms drew regulatory notice. Licensees should treat these signals as guidance for tightening controls and documentation well before their own renewal deadlines arrive.
Reporting: Casino News Daily
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →