BetCity Secures Five-Year Renewal Of Dutch iGaming Licence

Entain-owned BetCity has had its online gambling licence in the Netherlands renewed for another five years by the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA).

The renewal means all eight operators that were active when the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market opened in 2021 have now received new licences.

BetCity confirmed that its licence will run for five years. Holland Casino Online, Fair Play Online, Kansino, bet365, Bingoal, GGPoker and Toto have also received licences running until 31 October 2031.

Jacks remains the only operator from the original group yet to secure a new licence, with its existing authorisation running until 20 November.

BetCity Licence Renewed Until 2031

BetCity said the renewal reflected its continued operation within the regulated Dutch market.

“We are pleased to share that BetCity's online gambling licence has been renewed by the Dutch Gambling Authority for a further five years,” the company said.

“This renewal is an important milestone for BetCity and reflects our continued commitment to offering a safe, responsible and regulated environment for players in the Netherlands.

“Since the regulated market opened, we have worked constructively with the Gaming Authority, policymakers and industry partners to help raise standards and strengthen player protection across the sector.

“As part of Entain, BetCity remains focused on building a sustainable online gambling market where players can choose licensed operators that put safety, responsibility and enjoyment first.”

KSA Renews Lotto BV Monopoly Licences

Separately, the KSA has renewed three monopoly licences held by Lotto BV for a further five years.

The renewals cover lottery games, instant lotteries and land-based sports betting and remain subject to the outcome of a case before the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State concerning the legality of the Netherlands’ monopoly system.

The KSA said it “would have preferred” to wait for the court proceedings to conclude before deciding on the licence extensions. However, it said it was “necessary to make a decision now” because the existing licences are due to expire.

“It is important in this regard that an uninterrupted legal supply of lottery games, instant lotteries and land-based sports betting is guaranteed even after December 31, 2026,” the regulator said.

“Lotto BV also needs to receive timely clarity regarding whether it can continue its offering of games after December 31, 2026. For these reasons, the KSA has chosen to grant the new licenses in advance.”

The KSA said the licences could subsequently be revoked if the Council of State rules that contracts can no longer be awarded through private negotiation.

“Given the preparation time the KSA would then need for a transparent awarding process, any revocation will not take place earlier than one year after the ruling of the Council of State.

“If Lotto BV is privatised during the licence period, the KSA will assess whether the change affects the licence and whether the licence can be continued after the change or whether it may need to be revoked.”