Dutch iGaming Renewal: Entain’s BetCity Secures New Five-Year License

The Dutch online gambling landscape has reached a significant milestone in its regulatory history. It has been officially confirmed that BetCity is the last of the eight original pioneers to receive a new license from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). This decision marks the end of the first chapter that began in October 2021 with the opening of the regulated online market. BetCity, which is now part of the global gaming giant Entain, is officially permitted to offer its services in the Netherlands for another five years. The company follows seven other operators that had already received the green light to continue their operations.

This renewal is of strategic importance for the parent company, Entain. The group acquired BetCity in a multi-million dollar deal to secure a dominant position in the attractive Dutch market. The fact that the KSA has once again confirmed the operator's reliability and compliance underscores the shift toward a stable, strictly regulated environment. For the industry, this is a signal of continuity, even though regulatory requirements in the Netherlands have become noticeably stricter, similar to the German market. Safety, player protection, and transparency remain at the top of the authority's agenda.

Numbers and facts

BetCity was originally licensed in October 2021 and quickly established itself. By the fourth quarter of 2021, the company held an impressive market share of approximately 20 percent of the Dutch Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Entain plc acquired the operator in 2022 for an initial consideration of 300 million euros. Depending on performance, the total price can rise to a maximum of 850 million euros. The newly granted license is valid until October 31, 2031. Alongside BetCity, heavyweights such as Holland Casino Online, bet365, GGPoker, Bingoal, Kansino, Fair Play Online, and Toto have also had their accreditation extended until that date. Only the operator Jacks has a slightly different deadline of November 20 to finalize its new license.

"We are pleased to share that BetCity's online gambling licence has been renewed by the Dutch Gambling Authority for a further five years." - Statement from BetCity on LinkedIn

In parallel, the KSA has also renewed the three monopoly licenses of Lotto BV for five years. However, this was done with a proviso, as proceedings are currently pending in the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State. The central question is whether the monopoly system in its current form is legally sustainable. The KSA emphasized that it had to make a decision now to guarantee an uninterrupted legal supply of lotteries and sports betting beyond December 31, 2026.

Background

Entain's acquisition of BetCity was a calculated move to diversify its presence in Europe. Entain is also the parent company of brands such as bwin and PartyCasino. While these brands were still waiting for their own Dutch licenses at the time of the acquisition, BetCity provided immediate market access. The combination of local expertise in Amsterdam and Entain's global technology platform is expected to unlock cost synergies of around 28 million euros by the end of 2026. Melvin Bostelaar, the CEO of BetCity, remained in office after the takeover to ensure the continuity of operations.

"This acquisition will provide customers with an even better experience as we combine BetCity’s local expertise and brand alongside Entain’s market leading, customer focused platform." - Jette Nygaard-Andersen, former CEO of Entain

Why it matters for German players

The development in neighboring countries serves as a signal for German players. The Dutch market is similar to the German model under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) in many respects. Both countries rely on a centralized licensing system and strict player protection. In Germany, the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) monitors compliance with rules, such as the 1,000 euro monthly deposit limit via the LUGAS system or the 1 euro per spin stake limit on virtual slots. The fact that major providers like Entain, which are on the whitelist in Germany with brands like bwin, are successfully licensed in the Netherlands shows that they can meet high European standards. German customers should exclusively use providers that hold an official GGL license, as only then do the strict German protective measures apply.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German GGL-licensed casinos can learn from the BetCity case that longevity and compliance go hand in hand. The Dutch authority, KSA, takes a tough stance on violations, much like the GGL. For providers with a German license, this means that technical systems such as the connection to the OASIS lockout file and LUGAS activity monitoring are not optional features but the foundation of their operating permit. Entain's success also illustrates that the trend toward consolidation continues. Large corporations buy local market leaders to overcome regulatory hurdles more quickly. For the German market, this could mean that smaller, locally active online gambling halls may increasingly become targets for international gambling groups, provided they can demonstrate a clean licensing history.