If approved, it would re-organize the nation’s gambling market in a manner that would allow international companies to obtain licenses from the Netherlands Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, and operate in a regulated field.
Under the legislative piece’s provisions, such licensed companies would be taxed at 29% on their revenue. The tax rate was among the topics discussed during the Gaming in Holland Conference this week, with experts arguing that it is too high and that this could affect negatively player channelization once the new law comes into effect.
The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security released a statement to provide more clarity over a previously discussed language about the physical presence of international gambling companies in the Netherlands. The Ministry pointed out that companies based in the EU or the EEA will not have to set up offices in the country in order to be able to obtain a license from the local regulator. However, companies based outside EU and EEA will be required to have physical presence in the Netherlands.
In its statement, the Ministry further said that players’ protection and the introduction of clear boundaries between gaming and gambling will be one of the priorities of the new regulatory regime.
Finally, the Ministry revealed that now as the government has reached an agreement on important points, including the physical presence of gambling companies, the legislative process can be resumed. It is yet to be seen whether lawmakers will be able to meet a previously predicted deadline for an early 2019 implementation of the country’s new gambling law.
Source: GMB / Casino News Daily
