Netherlands to Open Tender for National Horse Race Betting License in 2027

The Dutch gambling market is preparing for a significant transition in the equestrian betting sector. The government in The Hague is currently readying the new tender for the national totalizer horse race betting license. This exclusive concession grants the holder the right to offer pari-mutuel betting on horse racing at racetracks and retail premises across the country. As a classic monopoly, it is granted for a five-year period, providing long-term operational stability for the winning operator.

The current holder of this prestigious permit is ZEbetting & Gaming. The company will maintain its rights until June 30, when the new license cycle is set to begin. For interested industry players, this means preparing for a rigorous selection process. The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has already outlined the timeframe for the competitive selection to ensure a seamless transition of betting operations. The procedure is strictly formalized with very little room for error in the application phase.

Numbers and facts

The application window opens on January 4 and closes on January 31. During this short month, all documentation must be submitted to the KSA. Participation comes with a significant price tag, as the application fee is set at 40,900 Euro. It is crucial to note that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the applicant passes the initial screening or is ultimately awarded the license. The next license period will be effective from June 30, and will run for exactly five years until June 30, 2032.

The KSA evaluates applicants in two distinct phases. The first phase focuses on professional eligibility. Companies must provide demonstrable experience in land-based betting operations. Furthermore, they are required to present detailed policies regarding the prevention of gambling harm and the protection of sporting integrity. If multiple candidates pass this first phase, the situation becomes competitive. Since it is an exclusive license, only one operator can be chosen. In such a scenario, the law dictates an unweighted draw performed by a notary to select the winner.

Background

Horse race betting has a long tradition in the Netherlands, even if the market remains a niche compared to online casinos or football sports betting. The totalizer principle, where bettors play against each other and the operator takes a commission, requires specialized infrastructure at the tracks. The KSA places great emphasis on the fact that the future licensee must not only be commercially capable but also active in preventing manipulation within the sport. Further details regarding specific requirements are expected to be released by the regulator in December.

Why it matters for German players

For German bettors, this Dutch tender has no direct impact on their daily gaming activities. In Germany, the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) is the governing legal framework. While the Netherlands is issuing an exclusive terrestrial license, the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) in Germany utilizes an open licensing model for online sports betting. German players should strictly ensure they only play with operators listed on the official GGL whitelist. Only there can they benefit from strict German protective measures, such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 Euro per month and the one-Euro-per-spin limit for virtual slots. Monitoring of these limits is handled by the LUGAS IT system, a structure that does not exist in this form in the Netherlands.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German online casinos and betting providers with a GGL license monitor such international tenders closely, as they often serve as blueprints for regulatory shifts. The KSA's emphasis on proven terrestrial experience shows that physical presence and expertise remain highly valued. For providers aiming to be active in both Germany and the Netherlands, this implies a double regulatory burden. While struggling with the challenges of LUGAS and OASIS in Germany, they must also prove in the Netherlands that they can operate a land-based network efficiently and safely. Companies applying for the Dutch totalizer business must ensure their compliance departments are ready to meet high integrity standards, a trend that is also becoming increasingly relevant under GGL supervision in Germany.