Holland Casino will offer egaming by 2015 at the earliest
Operator reports losses of 652,000 in 2012 " targeting late-2013 freeplay gaming launch
The Netherland’s monopoly operator Holland Casino has earmarked 2015 for the launch of its online gambling business, highlighting the move as a “necessary” development to boost its financial performance.
As part of yesterday’s annual financial report, which revealed the company suffered losses of 652,000 in 2012, Holland Casino confirmed it is aiming for a freeplay launch later this year. However, it believes it will take until early 2015 before the Dutch government will begin issuing egaming licences.
The operator said it “welcomes the ambitions of this government” to regulate online gambling, stating it is not only “desirable from the viewpoint of consumer protection” but necessary for a “financially healthy business”. It added that it supports the government’s strategy of introducing competition into the market and is “preparing itself for participation”.
The Dutch government announced plans to regulate online gambling in October 2012 and is expected to introduce a draft framework for consultation later this month. A parliament-approved law is anticipated by the end of the year, targetting a 2015 market launch.
Holland Casino has begun the selection process for its online gaming supplier and released a tender document last month. The operator discontinued a previous RFP process in April after no bidder met the required criteria.
Its chosen partner will provide its back end portal, gaming management platform, a portfolio of slots and table games, a bingo and poker platform and network, and a live dealer solution.
Holland Casino’s 14 casinos were visited 5.6 million times in 2012, a decrease of 2% compared to 2011. Furthermore, visitors spent the slightly lower amount of 96 per visit compared to 98 in 2011.