Compliance Updates

Regulated Dutch market wide open following high-profile departures

Published

4 years ago

November 15, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The exit of major operator brands in the newly regulated Dutch market has left it without an obvious leader, Casino Reviews, the leading iGaming reviews portal has found.

Just six weeks into the opening of one of Europe’s last remaining new jurisdictions, Casino Reviews research using Google Trends discovered that previously dominant operators in the Netherlands each saw a significant drop in search volume following the legal market opening on 1^st October.

Unibet and Bwin, the two largest casinos, saw their combined search volume drop by approximately 450,000 monthly queries, with a similar trend experienced by PokerStars, LeoVegas and Casumo.

Casino Reviews’ data shows that search volume for new, regulated casinos is more evenly distributed. Unibet’s previously leading market share has not led to a direct successor, with BetCity, bet365, GGPoker, Holland Casino and state-owned TOTO gaining search traction within a similar range.

Search volume for illegal casinos stalling appears to be good news for regulated casinos and the Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit’s (KSA) projected goal of an 80% channelisation rate by 2024.

The study also shows how six stakeholders – game and payment providers, affiliates, operators, the KSA and players – can assist in the channelisation drive. The licensing of content from leading developers is highlighted as an important issue, as is the role played by payment providers still offering their services to Dutch players at illegal online casinos.

Affiliates can also help the channelisation process, the report argues, by pointing out the risks posed by playing at illegal casinos, while operators are encouraged to put in place more streamlined affiliate programmes.

The research also points out that smaller, unregulated casinos could potentially opt not to pay what the KSA estimates is a cost of between €1 million and €1.6 million for a Dutch licence, a higher figure than most comparable jurisdictions.

Casino Reviews’ research goes on to detail a potential sweet spot for small-scale illegal casinos who can go under the KSA’s radar while making enough money to cover a fine if and when it should occur. That could leave players using these unregulated casinos open to uncertified games and an unsafe, non-secure playing environment.

David Overmars, Traffic and Conversion Lead at Casino Reviews, said: “Our extensive research into this newly regulated market has provided us with some fascinating insights. The loss of the ‘Big Five’ from the legal market has left a gaping hole that newly licensed operators are battling to fill, with no clear winner emerging.

“Those big operators will certainly come back and pick up licences at some stage and, by then, it is possible we will see the sort of channelisation of players the KSA originally envisaged.

“It is important the six stakeholders listed in our report do all they can to encourage players to play through legal channels, and this means offering them an experience that is safer and more enjoyable than that provided by unregulated offshore operators.”

Click here to view the full analysis.

ACMA

ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites

Published

9 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

acma-blocks-more-illegal-online-gambling-websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include:

Lucky Mate

Vegastars

Wombet

Cosmobet

Fortune Play

Fortunica

Rolletto

Velobet

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1518 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

3 Oaks Gaming

3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has entered the Spanish market after securing certification to supply its slot portfolio in the region.

This approval enables Spanish-licensed operators to integrate more than 20 of 3 Oaks Gaming’s games, bringing some of the distributor’s most recognised slots to local players.

Certified titles available include recent releases such as 4 Pots of Egypt: Hold and Win, Rush for Gold, and Egypt Power. The portfolio showcases 3 Oaks Gaming’s signature Hold & Win mechanic alongside Scatter Pays and its increasingly popular 3 and 4 Pot models, delivering engaging gameplay certified for the Spanish market.

Securing the Spanish certification represents a significant step in 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing European growth strategy, supporting its expansion across established and regulated markets.

By entering Spain with a robust, fully approved portfolio, the distributor underlines its commitment to compliance while offering operators content that is aligned with local market requirements and player preferences.

Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Spain is a strategically important regulated market for us, and obtaining certification here marks an important milestone in our growth journey. By launching a diverse range of certified titles, we are giving Spanish-licenced operators the flexibility to offer engaging content while meeting the highest regulatory standards.”

The post 3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

The Dutch Gambling Regulator (KSA) has contacted several online sports betting providers regarding incomplete information about the “early payout” feature. The “early payout” feature allows a bet to be considered won before the match has officially ended. This feature is not available in the event of a draw. The KSA found that several providers failed to communicate this sufficiently, making it appear as if players could also use this option for draws.

Early payout

The Early Payout feature allows players to declare their bet a winner if their team has a two-goal lead during the match, regardless of the final result. The odds for Early Payout bets are lower than those for regular bets. The problem arises when this option appears to be offered for draw bets, as there is no team with a lead.

Unclear information leads to confusion

Providers also promote lower odds for draws under the “early payout” feature. The providers’ terms and conditions then state that early payouts are not possible for draws, but this isn’t always clearly communicated when placing the bet. This creates confusion among players, who may assume that early payouts also apply to draws.

Obligation to provide clear information

Providers are required to provide clear and understandable information about the possible outcomes of a bet, including the associated terms and conditions. The KSA determined that providers were not complying with this obligation when providing information about the “early payout” feature. Providers that offer this feature have been contacted and have improved their communication so that players are now more clearly informed about the limitations of early payout for bets on draws.

The post Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.