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KSA Awards 12th Gambling License to Historic Belgian Casino
By Shane Addinall Feb 15, 2022 IndustryThe Dutch regulator, KSA, grants a license to Belgium's oldest casino, taking their number of licensees to an even dozen. Dutch punters can now enjoy games of chance online at a storied gambling site.The Netherland’s online gambling market expands as their regulator announces the 12th successful licensee to offer remote gambling in the country. Belgium’s renowned Casino de Spa now boasts a Dutch license and punters in the region have had access to their sites since 02 February 2022.
Before initiating the newly regulated Dutch market in the last quarter of 2021, the Kansspelautoriteit came down hard on operators who traded without licenses. This led to a long list of known platforms to step into the obligatory cooling-off period, in order to apply for a license once released from the naughty corner.
Casino de Spa is a legendary casino, originally established in Spa, Belgium, with centuries of historic significance and a wealth of experience in the gambling industry.
Old Meets New
The Belgian city of Spa launched their first casino in 1763. After surviving a revolution or two and a couple of wars, the casino is still a huge attraction to the area. Evolving with the times and technology, more than 300 years later, the historic Casino de Spa presents its services to online punters.
In partnership with Casino777.be, the Belgian provider offers services to English, French, Dutch, and German players within the global igaming market. Dutch players now have access to their library that includes slots, table games, and live casino action. Powered by iSoftBet, Casino777.be has over 200 titles to choose from and they promise their users 100% satisfaction.
KSA licenses are valid for five years and players can safely enjoy remote gambling with Casino de Spa until 2027. The operator joins a list of online platforms that provide casino, lotto, and betting services to Dutch punters. Its sportsbook Bet777.be is not included in the license and it is unclear at this stage whether they will apply for a betting license.
A Dozen Makes the Cut
Kansspelautoriteit has a strenuous approval process with exceptional standards for its licensees. Because of this, only a couple of platform providers made the cut, with Casino de Spa bringing the number to 12. When the market opened on 2 October 2021, players in the region could choose between 10 platforms ranging between sportsbooks, national lottery, and online casino operators.
The first brand increasing the number of licensees past 10 was JOI Gaming, from JVH Gaming & Entertainment, which received its license in November. Betent’s Betcity, Holland Casino, Fairplaycasino, Bet365, and Play North were among the original 10 licensees. Dutch lottery company, TOTO Online BV offers casino, sports betting, and lottery to players.
KSA chair, René Jansen, indicates that a clearer view of the future of Dutch online gambling will only be possible around April this year. With the list of major platforms including Betsson, Kindred, and Entain, who opted for a cooling-off period - that could last up to 33 months - that picture may only take shape in a year or two.
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