GiH Webinar | Essential services in a regulated market
On Wednesday, February 23 at 3PM CET we have scheduled a vendors’ webinar, where suppliers of necessary services will showcase their products and services.
If you are looking to enter the regulated Dutch online market or to expand your services portfolio, but haven't yet found all the suppliers you need, this may be the webinar for you!
The following suppliers (and speakers) have confirmed their participation:
· CDDN (KYC), Martijn de Boer
· IDNow (KYC), Zsofia Szanyi
· Kalff Katz & Franssen (legal services), Kester Mekenkamp
· Maxima Compliance (technical compliance), Antonio Zhangi
· Other suppliers/speakers TBA
Register for the vendors’ webinar here.
Dutch Lower House unanimously adopts motion calling on government to limit Holland Casino and TOTO advertising
Yesterday, the Dutch Lower House unanimously adopted a motion that urged the government to ensure that henceforth advertising by state-owned operators Holland Casino and TOTO would be “more restrained and less appealing,” to “better protect minors and other consumers against the dangers of gambling and gambling addiction ahead of the coming ban on untargeted gambling advertising.”
In recent months, Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij-owned TOTO were by far the biggest advertisers of online gambling services in the Netherlands. In December, the Lower House adopted a different motion calling on the government to implement a ban on all “untargeted” gambling advertising. It seems extremely unlikely, however, that such a far-reaching measure could be implemented by governmental decree and without a lengthy legislative process.
The widespread public and political calls against surging gambling advertising volumes appear to have not gone unheeded, however, and broadcast advertising volumes fell sharply – almost 50% – in January.
Dutch land-based gambling market contracted in 2020
Due to the impact of Covid-19, the Dutch regulated land-based gambling market contracted sharply in 2020, according to data published by the Netherlands Gambling Authority. GGR fell by more than €700m, from €2.7bn in 2019 to €1.9bn in 2019.
The decrease in sales did not affect lotteries and can almost entirely be attributed to the land-based slot machine and casino sectors, both of which bore the brunt of the Covid-related lockdowns. Meanwhile, reports of illegal land-based gambling offerings increased sharply.
Kindred reports 34% decrease in gross winnings in Q4 2021
Today, Kindred reported a 34% decrease in gross winnings revenue to GBP 240.5m during Q4 2021. This decrease coincided with the operator's withdrawal from the Dutch market due to updated enforcement priorities by the Netherlands Gambling Authority.
Kindred CEO Henrik Tjärnström commented:
“We can look back at a strong year despite a slightly more challenging fourth quarter. Exceptionally strong numbers in 2020 led to tough comparatives for the quarter but despite the low sports betting margin at the beginning of the quarter, and the fact that we ceased services to Dutch residents, our fourth quarter delivered solid revenues of GBP 244.9 million, underlying EBITDA of GBP 27.6 million, and an underlying EBITDA margin of 11 per cent.
Our Dutch license application was submitted at the end of November as our “cooling-off” period ended, and the licensing process is advancing according to plan. Subject to license application approval, we look forward to being a close partner to the Dutch community stakeholders and contributing to a sustainable gambling industry in the Netherlands.”
Evolution showcases 25 new online casino games
Evolution Gaming held an online event showcasing 25 new online casino games from its Group brands Evolution, NetEnt, Red Tiger, Ezugi, Big Time Gaming, and DigiWheel. The 25 games are part of a campaign that will see 88 games released by the Group in 2022.
The online event is now available on Evolution's YouTube channel.
In related news, Evolution also reported a significant year-on-year increase in both revenue and profit for its 2021 financial year, helped by a record performance during the fourth quarter.
Upcoming events
The following events may be of interest to the GiH community.
ICE 2022 remains confirmed for April 12-14. However, several suppliers, including Novomatic, Gauselmann, Zitro, TCSJohnHuxley, and R. Franco have decided to pull out of this year's edition, citing the event's unfavorable dates.
EASG 2022, the 13th European Conference on Gambling Studies and Policy Issues, has now been scheduled for 6 – 9 September 2022, and will take place in Oslo, Norway.
Belgium’s Casino de Spa issued 12th Dutch online gambling license
Belgium’s Casino de Spa becomes the 12th business to secure a remote gambling license from the Netherlands Gambling Authority since the country launched its regulated online gambling market on 1 October last year.
The new permit came into effect on 2 February and will be valid for a period of five years. Casino de Spa will operate in the Netherlands via its Casino777 online brand.
Sports betting and poker do not appear to be part of Casino de Spa's newly issued license.
Other news
BetCity is reportedly nearing agreement on a four-year sponsorship deal with Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar.
Stakelogic Live has concluded a deal with BetCity to provide a suite of Dutch-language roulette, auto-roulette, blackjack, and baccarat games.
Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen has launched a campaign to encourage the public to choose to play with operators holding Swedish licenses.
Hungary is set to end its state monopoly on sports betting by opening the door for online operators to offer their services in the country.
Kambi Group and Kindred Group have agreed a three-year extension to their sportsbook partnership, signing a new agreement until the end of 2026.
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