January – March: The beginning of 2020 saw preparations for the upcoming regulation of the Dutch online gambling market. The Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op Afstand) was scheduled to come into effect, allowing operators to apply for licenses to offer online games of chance. The Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) worked on finalizing regulations to ensure a safe and transparent online gambling environment.
April – June: The global COVID-19 pandemic affected various industries, including online gambling in the Netherlands. Land-based casinos were temporarily closed, leading to an increase in online gambling activity. The Dutch government acknowledged the need for regulated online gambling to provide consumer protections and capture tax revenues.
July – September: During the summer months, the Dutch regulatory framework continued to progress. The Kansspelautoriteit opened the licensing process for online operators, allowing them to submit applications. There was a focus on responsible gambling measures, advertising standards, and player protection as the market prepared for the official launch of licensed online gambling.
October – December: As 2020 concluded, the Dutch online gambling market moved closer to regulation. The Kansspelautoriteit processed license applications, and operators geared up for the anticipated launch in early 2021. Discussions centered around ensuring fair competition, preventing addiction, and establishing a robust regulatory framework for the years to come.