Dutch Remote Gaming Bill “back on track” after clearing establishment requirement roadblock
Local experts hail major breakthrough for long-stalled egaming legislation
The Dutch Remote Gaming Bill is “back on track”, after a key roadblock to its passage was removed last night.
The bill to legalise online gambling in the country had been stalled by the so-called establishment requirement, which required would-be licensees to have a physical presence in the country.
However, the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security sent a letter to Parliament last night noting that such a requirement was illegal under EU law.
Instead it said it will ask operators only to appoint a local representative responsible for the prevention of gambling addiction.
Firms without an EU presence will still be required to setup a local branch in the Netherlands.
The development was hailed as a big step forward for the bill, with Dutch gaming lawyer Frank Tolboom telling EGR: “Now this been settled the remote gaming bill can finally move forward before the Senate.”
Local news outlet Gaming in Holland hailed a major breakthrough, adding: “We’re back on track with regard to remote gaming in the Netherlands.”
The timeline for full approval of the bill is still somewhat unclear however.
GiH added: “While a lot still needs to happen – don’t expect much until after the summer – today’s letter to the Dutch Lower House means that the current government, which controls a majority in the Senate, has agreed to support the Remote Gaming Bill, which already passed the Lower House in 2016.”