KSA launches application process for Netherlands totalisator licence

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has invited operators to apply for the country’s next horseracing totalisator (pari-mutuel) betting licence.

The current pari-mutuel licence, which has been operated by ZEbetting & Gaming Nederland BV since 1998, expires on 30 June 2022.

Pari-mutuel betting in the Netherlands is a legal monopoly – even in the newly regulated online gambling market – meaning there is only one licence up for grabs.

The KSA has now opened the tender procedure for the new operating licence, which will come into force for five years from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027.

The regulator will initially assess all applications for legal form and location, continuity, internal supervision, reliability, integrity policy and demonstrable experience with offline sports betting.

Once a final shortlist has been drawn up, lots will be drawn to determine the new licence holder.

Each applicant will need to pay €32,000 for the processing of their application. All fees are to be paid in advance and will be non-refundable in the event of an unsuccessful bid.

Applications can be submitted by prospective firms from 1 November to 30 November 2021.

Before international operators entered the Netherlands when the licensed market went live on 1 October, pari-mutuel licence holder ZEbetting was one of just two companies permitted to accept legal wagers on sports events.

The other was monopoly lottery brand Toto, a state subsidiary of De Nederlandse Loterij. However, Toto was prohibited from taking bets on horseracing and trotting.

At least 2.5% of totalisator turnover must be donated to causes that promote horseracing and trotting in the Netherlands.