Where can we bet securely and which are the leading bookmakers in the Netherlands?
Check out the table below with top bookmakers for the Netherlands. Choose the one which will meet your expectation. Details for their welcome bonus amount, percentage of sign up offer, minimum deposit and odds.
- Lots of promotions
- Fully licensed
- Competitive odds
- Licensed in the Netherlands
- Free bets in place
- Great sportsbook and casino
- Great sportsbook
- Many advantages
- Licensed by the Netherlands Gaming Authority
Top Betting Sites in the Netherlands Ranked
- #1 ?? BetCity – Best Overall Bookmaker
- #2 ?? Jack’s – Top Betting Odds
- #3 ?? Toto – Best Betting Features
Introduction
The Netherlands is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and have a long-standing love of gambling. Sports betting is incredibly popular, with casinos gaining traction in recent years.
Although an incredibly liberal society, the government has taken a hard stance on online gambling. The pastime has been illegal up until the start of 2019 when a bill was passed to begin issuing licenses in 2020. This recent shift looks set to create a boom in the Dutch market, as the best companies online attempt to gain licenses for this new demographic. The companies that do get licensed will likely be highly reputable, and great additions to betting in the Netherlands.
Interesting Facts about Betting in the Netherlands
- Until 2012, online gambling was completely illegal in the Netherlands
- Approximately 1.8 million people living in the Netherlands admit to wagering at least occasionally
- 18% of Dutch gamblers do so online
- The most popular form of online gambling is sports betting
- The Dutch gambling market generated over €2 billion in revenue in 2018 and continues to grow.
- The state monopoly on casinos began in the 1970s, and has been in operation ever since then.
- The Netherlands continues to run one of the oldest lotteries in the world – the Staatslotterij has been in operation since 1726
Gambling Legislation and LawsAll forms of gambling in the Netherlands are licensed and monitored by the Netherlands Gambling Authority (NGA). Their purpose is to regulate and control illegal gambling, to prevent unhealthy gambling addictions, and to ensure that consumers are informed and stay safe. There are several different gambling laws that the NGA uphold today, which define the legal gambling market in the Netherlands. These include the Dutch Gambling Act of 1964, which states that all gambling that is not licensed is illegal. In February 2019, the government voted to approve the Remote Gambling Act, which relates to online gambling. While it has not yet come into practice, this law will allow for international betting sites to apply for licenses within the country at some point in 2020, so that they can operate within the law. This would then also provide Dutch players with legal protection from the number of international sites that are not licensed in the Netherlands but are still legally able to offer Dutch consumers their services. |
Top online betting websites in the Netherlands
Because the legalization of online gambling is still so new in the Netherlands, the current market for betting sites in the Netherlands is relatively small. But due to the fact that it is such a wealthy nation, there is massive potential for growth, especially when the Remote Gambling Act passes in the near future. However, here are some of the best sites that currently offer their services to players in the Netherlands:
- Pros
- Licensed betting operator
- Wide range of Sports betting options
- High Odds
- Cons
- Not so many payment options
- Pros
- Great range of betting options
- Casino Games are available
- The brand has a license
- Competitive Odds
- Cons
- Not the best customer support
- Pros
- Licensed betting operator
- The site has various sports included
- Casino games are available
- Different payment options are available
- Cons
- The design may be improved
Competition between Operators
The Dutch government has done its utmost best to ensure that they have a monopoly on all forms of gambling within the Netherlands. However, they have struggled to maintain this, after claims from the EU that this is unfair to international companies.
Currently, there is a monopoly on all physical casinos in the Netherlands. They are all owned and operated by the state, through a company called Holland Casino. There is also a state monopoly on lotto, in-person sports betting, and slot machines.
When it comes to online sports betting, there is a significant oligopoly, with the majority of the market shared between two companies: De Lotto and Scientific Games Racing B.V. However, only time will tell if the Netherlands government choose only to issue licenses to a few companies, or whether they will open their doors a little wider to create competition.
It should also be noted that because online gambling was illegal for so long, the illegal market has long been established, with a number of key companies holding large portions of the target audience, regardless of the legal competition.
Bonuses from Dutch BookmakersThere are many different bonuses that players in the Netherlands are eligible for, just like any other player. These include welcome bonuses, such as free bets, or the bookmaker matching initial deposits. There is also a wide variety of promotions for returning players as well. These include increased odds on certain games, free bets when you place a paid bet, and money-back specials. Although none of these bonuses and promotions is specific to the Dutch audience, it should be noted that players from the Netherlands are offered the same prizes as any other player, regardless of the laws within the country. |
Betting Features and Options from Dutch Bookmakers
Bookmakers that operate in the Netherlands offer a variety of different features for their customers so that they do not miss out. These include:
Cash-out | |
Bet Builder | |
Live Betting | |
Live Streaming |
Available Payment Methods
As with most online bookmakers, there are many different options to deposit and withdraw money from popular Dutch betting sites. These include Visa and Mastercard (sometimes American Express). Most websites will also accept all major e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. These options are all relatively fast and do not require a bank fee. Some sites will allow users to deposit money via a bank transfer. However, this method can often take a few days. Most, but not all options are generally free to use and are instantaneous, but there are some exceptions to this, such as bank transfers. Punters should ensure that they make a note of their specific companies’ policies regarding this before they are forced to pay unwanted fees.
All sites have minimum requirements when it comes to depositing and withdrawing money, usually €1 or €10. In order to qualify for welcome promotions, users must generally make deposits of €10 or more.
The Netherlands use the euro (EUR) as their form of currency. Due to the number of other countries on the continent that use the same currency, most online bookmakers will allow punters to place bets using EUR. This is convenient for Dutch players and means that they do not have to convert their deposits before they can place bets.
Mobile Betting in Netherlands
The majority of all leading betting sites offer free apps to download on both Apple and Android so that their content can be enjoyed on the go, any time. However, it is technically currently illegal for these companies to offer their services to Dutch consumers specifically, hence why there are no apps in Dutch. Failure for the companies to comply with Dutch law has seen these apps being removed from customers’ phones in the past. Although with the recent relaxation in laws surrounding online betting, this may change.
For players who cannot access the apps, most sites will also offer a mobile version of their website, which can be accessed through the device’s browser. These have been specifically designed to alter the desktop site to be more manageable on phones and tablets. Although often not available in the Dutch language, the government is unable to stop patrons from accessing these.
Online Casinos
Online casinos have also been illegal in the Netherlands, up until very recently. The recent Online Gambling Bill would allow companies from overseas to register their online casinos in the Netherlands. However, this has not yet become law.
There are a number of large international companies who have stopped offering their online casino services to Dutch players because they faced such significant fines. Despite this, and the currently-illegal status of online casinos, there are still several reputable international sites that punters from the Netherlands can still utilize. They should always remember that playing on sites that are not licensed in the Netherlands means that they have no legal protection in the case of any unfortunate events.
Leading sports for betting in Holland
Sports betting has always been popular in the Netherlands, and with increasing interest in online betting, it remains much more popular than online casinos. Here are some of the most popular sports to bet on:
- Football
Much like the rest of Europe, the Netherlands is not immune to the excitement and pull of football. Many sites offer betting on large local leagues, as well as overseas championships. The popularity of football overseas means that Dutch customers also get to experience the full range of betting on this sport. - Volleyball
A sport that the Netherlands performs well in, it is no surprise that it is a favourite for betting. As the third most popular sport in the country, it rakes in significant revenue for bookies, both local and international games. - Field Hockey
The Netherlands also quietly excels at this sport, with the national team winning numerous medals in the competition at the Olympics. Although it may not be as popular overseas, Dutch consumers love to bet on this sport, in favour of their winning home team. - Tennis
Almost all sites allow Dutch players to bet on the more significant tennis competitions such as the French Open and Wimbledon, often with live options too. Quite a few websites also provide betting options for some of the smaller tournaments as well, so that there is a wide variety of choice for fans.
The Profile of a Dutch Bettor
Even though online gaming is currently considered illegal, the Netherlands is home to the 17th largest iGaming population in the EU. The revenue from these illegal bets is alleged to be approximately €250 million annually.
Despite the illegal nature of the gaming, this high exchange of money comes as no surprise, because the Netherlands is one of the most affluent countries in the world – these players can afford this type of hobby. In 2011, it was estimated that there were approximately 8 million casual gamblers in the Netherlands, a figure that only takes into account legal, physical gambling.
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in the Netherlands?
Online gambling is currently not legal in the Netherlands. However, the necessary steps are being taken to legalize it soon. If there are no further setbacks, the Dutch government will begin issuing licenses to online betting companies, allowing consumers to play legally.
Although online gambling is technically illegal, there have been no instances so far of bettors being prosecuted for playing online on an international site.
Can I play using an international site licensed in another country?
Yes, most online sports and casino betting sites still welcome players from the Netherlands. However, since online gambling is illegal in the country, sites cannot be seen to target this audience specifically. Therefore it is rare to find a website that has been translated into Dutch. Customers also do not have legal protection from the state, if something goes wrong while they play online. Aside from this, customers are more than able to play using these sites, as long as they are aware of the risks.
Can I open an account and play in EUR?
Yes, most international betting sites will accept euros as a form of currency to bid with. The euro is widely used throughout the continent, so Dutch players do not need to worry about exchanging their currency before they bet.
Which are the best football betting websites in Holland?
Bwin is one of the most prominent betting websites in Holland, especially when it comes to football. They offer live football bets, as well as several different games and championships from around the world, all with high odds.
Which are the best online casinos in Holland?
There is a range of trustworthy sites that offer their services to Dutch players, but one of the best online casinos is 10Bet. Customers in the Netherlands can sign up and receive many different bonuses and promotions, just like customers from elsewhere. This site offers several different games, slots, live casino options, as well as various card games.
Are there any betting restrictions for players in the Netherlands?
Even though online betting is illegal, this does not restrict the freedom of the player to utilize overseas sites to gamble. The only restriction that players might experience is that some international sites do not offer their services to Dutch residents, because they cannot become licensed in the country. Consumers should take care to ensure they are eligible to create an account in the Netherlands.
Are players taxed?
No, players not taxed for online gambling. Licensed operators will be taxed 29%, and some might recoup some of these costs through their customers, but the tax does not directly apply to players.
Our Verdict
Since online gambling is technically illegal in the Netherlands, this does not appear to stop many clients from continuing to play. The majority of all leading international betting sites still accept Dutch players, so that these consumers can play safely. Ultimately the government is the only losing player in this equation, missing out on tax revenue by not issuing licenses.
Although it appears that the government will choose to retain their monopoly over betting online when the law does come into effect, it may be possible for multiple international companies to become licensed as well. When punters from the Netherlands can play with Dutch-licensed companies online, they can rest assured that these companies will be of high quality, following the government focus on the safety of players.
Regardless, in the meantime, Dutch punters will still be able to seek out international sites to continue to play on, if they are unsatisfied with the local online options. There are many different websites that are licensed elsewhere in Europe, allowing consumers to know they are still reliable sites.