SETTING UP AN ONLINE GAMING BUSINESS IN THE NETHERLANDS 

Winning at compliance: personalized corporate
services for your Dutch company.

Why? EM Group

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS:


  • Clear regulatory rules must be followed.
  • One significant challenge is the obligation to separate player funds.
EM Group - How?

HOW WE
CAN HELP:


  • EM Group is your one-stop shop for navigating the favorable business climate in the Netherlands.
  • We empower your local presence with our compliance, corporate, player separation and license related services.

NAVIGATING THE DUTCH ONLINE GAMBLING MARKET

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CONTACT US

FOR A PROPOSAL CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR NEEDS

Get in touch

CONTACT US

FOR A PROPOSAL CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR NEEDS

Get in touch

MORE INFORMATION
AND HOW TO GET STARTED:

THE DUTCH ONLINE GAMBLING LICENSE


We can handle everything you need to start or grow your company in The Netherlands.

On April 1st, 2021, the Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) opened the Dutch online gambling market by launching the Dutch online gambling license.

This is an exciting new opportunity, but clear regulatory rules must be followed. One of the significant challenges when setting up your iGaming business in the Netherlands is the obligation to legally separate player funds from the operator’s risk-bearing capital.

We can help you with all the challenges and help you set up your iGaming business in the Netherlands in a compliant manner.

BETTING ON YOUR BUSINESS:
PERSONALIZED COMPLIANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES
FOR YOUR ONLINE GAMING COMPANY

We provide a turnkey service in the Netherlands. We will incorporate your business, provide management, take care of your address requirements, your administration and your tax needs. Moreover, we will ensure that both your Dutch entity and any other non-Dutch entities remain compliant with AML and KSA requirements.

If you need something we cannot assist you with, we will find a solution and introduce you to a reputable company that can help. We are your one stop shop in the Netherlands.

DID YOU KNOW … NETHERLANDS

INCORPORATING YOUR
DUTCH COMPANY

There are many reasons to set up a Dutch company or structure, and the requirements differ from operator to operator. It might be interesting to learn that a Dutch online gambling license holder does not need to be established in the Netherlands. The regulator states that a license holder may have a company based in the EU or EEA. The regulator may even waive this requirement if the license holder has their statutory seat, their board or their headquarters in a third-party state, of which such state’s laws provide sufficient guarantees for the interests this law aims to protect.

However, it may be beneficial to incorporate your operating entity, or part of your structure, in the Netherlands due to its stable and favorable business climate. The Netherlands is known for having many treaties with other countries to avoid double taxation (participation exemption) and for having a highly educated, international and bilingual workforce. Furthermore, the Netherlands provides a favorable climate for entrepreneurs and startups, with the Dutch government’s Covid support and recovery program as the latest example.

CORPORATE
MANAGEMENT

Whether you are local or foreign, just starting out or already a veteran in the business, we assist with all aspects of your corporate requirements. We help with foundations and look after your other Dutch entities, such as your operating or marketing entities.

Together with our network of highly qualified professionals, we can assist you with everything, starting with the design of your corporate structure and the incorporation of your company, and subsequently with the provision of management, supervisory board members and local representatives.

We know what is legally required to operate in the Netherlands, what your obligations are, what your reporting deadlines are, what legal steps to take when your company changes, and how and when to organize board meetings, at which we will even take the minutes.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Operating an online gambling business might be where you shine, but handling all the administrative and regulatory requirements is where we do. We take the tedious obligations off your hands. Our financial experts manage your bookkeeping, create annual reports and meet reporting deadlines.

Do you have employees in the Netherlands? Our payroll team will make sure that they are paid every month. Do you need help determining which taxes apply to your company or get frustrated by the Dutch tax authorities? Our tax team has you covered.

Administrative and regulatory requirements

HR AND
PAYROLL ASSISTANCE

When operators settle in a new jurisdiction, one of the challenges they face is finding the right experts to take care of their valued people. A frequent request we receive is the provision of HR and payroll assistance. In the Netherlands, our team can provide the following services:

  • (De)registration of wage tax numbers and sector classification with the Dutch Tax Authority;

  • Assistance with the application of the 30% tax ruling;

  • Setup and maintaining payroll administration;

  • Filing of wage tax returns;

  • Correspondence with the Dutch tax authorities and Immigration and Naturalization Office (“IND”);

  • Pension setup and management for employees and employers;

  • Contracting insurance; and

  • HR and Payroll portal for monitoring of leave and absence.

LOCAL
ADDRESS

Do you need an address in the Netherlands and someone to handle your post? With our licensed domiciliation services, we can provide you with a Dutch registered address, and our professional back office team will take care of all your mailing needs.

Our local team in Amsterdam is happy to take care of all of this for you

YOUR LOCAL
DUTCH TEAM

Besides the corporate advantages of setting up your company in the Netherlands, various regulatory requirements are easier to deal with when you have a local presence.

For example, one of the requirements of the Dutch regulator during the application process is that all documentation must be provided in Dutch, which could be an issue for foreign companies.

Once the license has been obtained, there are various requirements for Dutch-speaking helpdesk employees or representatives of the operator to be available for consultation with the Dutch regulator, preferably in Dutch; agreements with the Dutch players must conform to Dutch law; addiction prevention methods must be in line with Dutch practice for addiction care; to name but a few.

Our local team in Amsterdam is happy to take care of all of this for you.

CONTACT US FOR A PROPOSAL CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR NEEDS.

Further information

SETTING UP AN ONLINE GAMING BUSINESS  IN
THE NETHERLANDS CAN BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
FOR SUCCESS IN THE

 

IGAMING INDUSTRY. 

However, it is essential to follow clear regulatory rules, including the obligation to separate player funds from the operator's capital legally.

 

At EM Group, we offer personalized compliance and corporate services for your online gaming company in The Netherlands. Our turnkey service includes incorporating your business, providing management, handling address requirements, administration, tax needs, and ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) requirements.

 

We are your one-stop shop for setting up your iGaming business in The Netherlands. We work with a network of highly qualified professionals to assist you with all aspects of your corporate requirements, including HR and payroll assistance, local address, and administrative and regulatory requirements.

The Netherlands offers a favorable business climate for entrepreneurs and startups, with a highly educated, international, and bilingual workforce.

 

At EM Group, we understand the legal requirements and reporting deadlines for operating in The Netherlands. We can assist you in designing your corporate structure, incorporating your company, providing management and supervisory board members, and handling payroll and bookkeeping.

 

Contact us to receive a proposal customized to your needs and start your successful journey in the online gaming industry in The Netherlands.

Compliance Services - Icon

COMPLIANCE
SERVICES


  • Policies & Procedures
  • Regulatory
  • Risk Management
Corporate Services - Icon

CORPORATE
SERVICES


  • Company Incorporation
  • Management Services
  • Banking & Tax
iGaming License Services - EM Group

IGAMING LICENSE
SERVICES


  • License maintenance
  • iGaming license applications
  • Jurisdictions
FAQ About the Dutch Online Gambling Industry and our Services

The Netherlands recently unlocked its online gambling market, presenting a interesting opportunity for gaming businesses to establish a foothold in a regulated and potentially lucrative market.

Emerging opportunities for online gaming businesses in The Netherlands

Online gaming operators in The Netherlands must comply with stringent regulatory guidelines, including the mandatory separation of player funds from the operator's capital and adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) regulations.

Regulatory obligations for online gaming businesses in The Netherlands

EM Group offers bespoke compliance and corporate services tailored to the unique needs of an online gambling provider. Services encompass company formation, management provision, address management, administrative support, tax compliance, and ensuring regulatory conformity. 

EM Group's facilitation for establishing iGaming enterprises in The Netherlands

A notable challenge is meeting the requirement to segregate player funds from the operator's capital, a critical stipulation enforced by Dutch regulators to safeguard players' interests.

No, it is not mandatory. The regulatory framework permits license holders to operate from entities situated in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), and may even waive this requirement under specific circumstances.

Incorporating in The Netherlands enables access to a stable business environment, benefits such as tax optimization through double taxation avoidance, and access to a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.

EM Group delivers comprehensive assistance for corporate governance requirements, encompassing structural planning, incorporation, management provision, and guidance on regulatory compliance.

EM Group manages various administrative functions, including financial record-keeping, report generation, opening of bank accounts, assistance with license applications, payroll administration, tax compliance, and ensuring adherence to regulatory mandates.

Administrative and regulatory tasks undertaken by EM Group for online gaming enterprises

EM Group provides a suite of HR and payroll solutions, including tax registration, payroll administration, tax filing, correspondence with authorities, pension administration, insurance procurement, and HR portal provision.

A local presence streamlines compliance with Dutch language and regulatory prerequisites, facilitating seamless operations and effective engagement with regulatory bodies. EM Group's Amsterdam-based team offers invaluable support in navigating these complexities

Yes, gambling is legal in the Netherlands. The Dutch government regulates various forms of gambling activities to ensure consumer protection and prevent illegal gambling operations. The regulatory framework encompasses both land-based and online gambling, with specific laws and regulations governing each sector. As of April 1st, 2021, the Dutch online gambling market has been officially opened, allowing licensed operators to offer their services to Dutch players under the supervision of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). However, clear regulatory rules must be followed, including the obligation to separate player funds from the operator's capital and adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) regulations. Therefore, while gambling is legal in the Netherlands, operators must obtain the necessary licenses and comply with the established regulations to operate legally in the market under the oversight of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

Is gambling legal in the Netherlands?

The Dutch online gambling market offers a diverse array of gaming options, catering to a wide range of preferences among players. Among these options, online casino games are particularly popular, providing players with a thrilling and immersive gaming experience from the comfort of their homes. Players can enjoy a variety of classic and modern casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, offered by licensed iGaming companies regulated by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). Additionally, sports betting is another prevalent activity in the Dutch online gambling landscape, allowing enthusiasts to wager on their favorite sports events and teams. Whether its a betting game like placing a bet on a football match, a tennis tournament, or a horse racing event, sports betting adds an extra layer of excitement to the gambling industry. Furthermore, online gaming platforms also offer a selection of other online games such as virtual sports, bingo, and poker, providing players with a diverse range of options to explore. Overall, the Dutch online gambling market caters to a vibrant community of players seeking entertainment and excitement through various betting games and casino gaming experiences.

Online casinos play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the Dutch gambling industry, offering a wide array of captivating online casino games that attract players from across the country. These digital platforms provide players with access to a diverse selection of gaming options, ranging from traditional favorites like blackjack and roulette to innovative slot titles with immersive themes and features. By offering convenient access to a broad spectrum of casino gamingexperiences, online casinos contribute significantly to the overall growth and expansion of the Dutch gambling industry. Moreover, the emergence of online betting platforms within these casinos further diversifies the gaming portfolio, allowing players to enjoy a seamless transition between classic casino games and exciting sports betting opportunities. This integration of online betting enhances player engagement and extends the appeal of online casinos to a broader audience of sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the regulated nature of online casinos ensures that players can enjoy a safe and secure gaming environment, with robust measures in place to promote responsible gambling practices. As a result, online casinos continue to drive innovation and growth within the Dutch gambling landscape, cementing their position as key players in the evolving online gaming sector.

Dutch gambling laws play a crucial role in overseeing the operation of online games within the country's gaming market, ensuring compliance with established regulatory frameworks and standards. These laws govern various aspects of online gaming, including licensing requirements, player protection measures, and responsible gambling initiatives. By implementing stringent laws, regulatory authorities such as the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) strive to create a safe and transparent environment for players engaging in online gaming activities. This regulatory oversight extends to the licensing and operation of online casinos, which must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure fair play and consumer protection. Additionally, Dutch laws mandate the segregation of player funds from the operator's capital, safeguarding players' interests and financial transactions. Furthermore, the enforcement of these laws serves to uphold the integrity of the Dutch gaming market, fostering trust and confidence among players and industry stakeholders alike. As a result, online games regulated under Dutch gambling laws are subject to robust oversight and accountability measures, promoting a secure and responsible gaming environment for all participants.

Safeguarding against underage gambling and thwarting illegal operators are paramount concerns within the Dutch online gaming landscape. One crucial aspect is the stringent scrutiny applied to obtain a Dutch license, where meeting important criteria is imperative. This rigorous process ensures that licensed operators uphold the highest standards of integrity and adhere to compliant gambling practices. Additionally, robust age verification protocols are implemented to prevent underage individuals from accessing online gambling platforms and engaging in activities where they could potentially gamble. Furthermore, regulatory authorities maintain vigilance to identify and take swift action against unlicensed operators who flout the law and operate outside the bounds of legal compliance. By prioritizing these measures, the Dutch gaming industry underscores its commitment to promoting a safe, fair, and transparent gaming environment for all participants, thereby safeguarding against the harmful effects of underage gambling and illegal operations.

Measures to prevent underage gambling and combat illegal operators in the Dutch online gaming market
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