Online poker is legal in the Netherlands under the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand, Koa), which came into force on April 1, 2021. Operators must obtain a licence from the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) to legally offer gambling via the internet (1). The Ksa issued the first online gambling licenses in October 2021, officially opening the market for licensed operators to provide poker and other casino games.
Land-based poker can be played in licensed casinos and gaming establishments throughout the Netherlands. Operators need a permit to legally organize games of chance, with requirements to prevent gambling addiction and ensure player protection (2). Many games of chance are restricted and can only be organized by selected permit holders, while all gaming operators must comply with strict advertising and recruitment requirements established under the Remote Gambling Act.
"The Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand, Koa), its subordinate legislation and policy rules came into force today, 1 April 2021. This means that operators may now submit applications to us for a licence to offer gambling via the internet."
The Netherlands Gambling Authority serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing all gambling activities in the country. Licensed operators must connect to the Central Exclusion Register for Games of Chance (CRUKS) to verify customers are not at risk of gambling addiction (2). The minimum gambling age is 18 years, with deposit limits set at €300 for players aged 18-24 and €700 for players over 24 to promote responsible gambling practices.
Source:
https://kansspelautoriteit.nl/nieuws/2021/april/remote-gambling-act
https://business.gov.nl/regulation/games-chance/
Last updated: 09-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
