The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit – KSA) has revealed plans to create a brand new class of working license designed particularly for skill-based gaming machines. The transfer is meant to streamline the licensing course of for companies that function solely talent machines, with out providing conventional video games of probability.
New Licensing Option for Skill Machine Operators
At current, just one sort of Dutch working license covers all gaming machines, together with these in amusement halls, catering venues, and skill-based units. The KSA said that this unified system typically locations pointless administrative burdens on operators whose merchandise rely totally on participant talent fairly than luck.
To tackle this, the regulator will quickly make obtainable a restricted working license solely for talent machines. The new choice follows repeated requests from operators looking for a definite class that displays the distinction between video games of talent and probability. The authority confirmed that functions for this license may very well be processed quicker due to a shorter and extra focused overview interval.
KSA defined that talent machines are outlined as slot machines that “do not award prizes except for extra or longer games” and the place “the course of the game depends entirely or almost entirely on the skill of the player.” Classic examples embody pinball machines, the place gamers can win further balls by efficiency fairly than random probability. Any slot machine that doesn’t meet these standards is robotically categorized as a playing or chance-based machine.
Shorter Review Procedure Expected
The regulator stated extra particulars concerning the software course of can be made obtainable quickly. However, operators can already submit their requests to the KSA for consideration. The new license is anticipated to contain a quicker approval course of than conventional machine licenses, permitting operators to enter the market extra effectively.
In its official communication, the KSA emphasised that this new framework meets an present demand within the trade. By making a clearer separation between skill-based and chance-based machines, the authority goals to guarantee extra applicable regulatory oversight whereas lowering bureaucratic delays.
Broader Slot Machine Reforms Under Discussion
The introduction of the brand new talent machine license comes amid a wider overview of slot machine laws within the Netherlands. Earlier in October, Secretary of State for Legal Protection Arno Rutte introduced that his workplace is analyzing a number of analysis studies on playing as a part of an effort to replace outdated insurance policies on land-based slots.
Among these studies is the KSA’s personal research on the affect of tax will increase and participant safety measures. The findings highlighted that many slot-related laws have remained largely unchanged because the yr 2000. Key areas of focus embody gamers’ preferences for utilizing money throughout play, public responses to new ID verification necessities, and the overall want to modernize supervision of land-based gaming environments.
Continued Enforcement Against Unlicensed Activities
The regulator’s reform efforts construct on earlier enforcement actions towards unlicensed gaming operators and affiliate web sites selling unlawful playing. In December 2021, the KSA reported that it had investigated greater than 20 such web sites, discovering 15 in breach of the Dutch Gambling Act. The authority warned that penalties and cease-and-desist orders may comply with for repeat offenders.
At the identical time, the regulator reiterated that each promoting and providing video games of probability with no legitimate license are prohibited underneath Dutch legislation. Operators discovered accepting gamers from the Netherlands with out authorization face monetary sanctions, as illustrated by fines issued in 2021 towards Tipico and N1 Interactive.
By combining enforcement with progressive licensing initiatives reminiscent of the brand new talent machine allow, the KSA continues to refine its regulatory framework — aiming for a balanced strategy that encourages legit leisure whereas defending customers and sustaining market integrity.
Source:
“KSA launches new skill machines license”, igamingbusiness.com, October 21, 2025.
