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For those engaging in esports betting with Bet365 in Europe, the reissuance of online gambling licenses in the Netherlands is now a significant development. The Dutch Gambling Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), recently announced the renewal of eight online gambling licenses for a five-year period starting from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031, as reported by iGaming Business.
This renewal is crucial for operators like Hillside (New Media Malta) Plc, the company behind Bet365. For avid bettors on games like CS2, League of Legends, and Dota 2, the retention of a license in a strict market like the Netherlands can determine the continuity of their betting activities beyond October 1.
Significance of the Renewal
The Dutch online gambling market only opened in 2021, and the initial licenses issued are set to expire by the end of September 2026. The recent reissuance of licenses marks a critical milestone as it represents the first renewal decisions made by the KSA since the market was regulated.
Notably, not all operators who initially obtained licenses are still active in the Dutch market. LiveScore and Tombola, two of the original ten license holders, exited the market in 2024. This serves as a reminder that even regulated markets can see shifts in operator presence, similar to how Bally’s expansion into regulated Rhode Island betting is being closely monitored.
Key License Recipients
The eight operators who received renewed licenses were all previously active in the market. No new brands have entered the Dutch market as of now, with a mix of domestic and international operators securing approvals:
- TOTO Online BV: operates TOTO and Winnitt
- Holland Casino NV: operates Holland Casino Online
- Play North Limited: operates Kansino
- FPO Nederland BV: operates FairPlay Casino
- Bingoal Nederland BV: operates Bingoal
- Hillside (New Media Malta) Plc: operates Bet365
- NSUS Malta Limited: operates GG Poker
- Betent BV: operates Betcity
Emphasis on Compliance
The renewal process conducted by the KSA in 2026 was notably stringent. With policy rules introduced in September 2025, operators with compliance issues in their history had to demonstrate what they learned from past mistakes and how they would prevent recurrence. Additionally, all applicants were required to submit an exit plan outlining responsible measures in case of license denial, revocation, or mid-term surrender.
Some operators received additional scrutiny from the KSA, indicating that while they met legal requirements, ongoing compliance efforts are necessary. For example, TOTO Online BV faced scrutiny for breaching advertising regulations, highlighting the meticulous approach taken by the Netherlands compared to jurisdictions with less defined regulatory frameworks, such as the case of France’s stance on esports betting during the Esports World Cup.