How to Gamble Online in the Netherlands: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Gambling online can be exciting, but if you’re just getting started, it can also feel confusing. Between the tempting offers, laws and regulations, and hundreds of casino games, it’s hard to know where to begin. If you’re based in the Netherlands and want to try your luck at online casinos, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

We’ll cover how to pick a safe and legal website, understand bonuses, use your money wisely, and play games that make sense for beginners. You’ll also learn what the Dutch law says about gambling, how taxes work, and whether you should use crypto or euros when you play.

We encourage you to check out all of our helpful tips to make your first steps into online gambling smooth and smart.

Check Best Casinos and Games for your country

CHECK

Top Casinos and Bonuses for players from NETHERLANDS

TOP CASINOSTOP BONUSES
Show FiltersHide Filters
Searching for the best Casinos
0%

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you live in the Netherlands and want to gamble online, you’re in luck — it’s legal. Not many other cultures have such transparent rules about gambling. But not everything you see online is allowed, and the rules can be strict. So, before you sign up anywhere, it’s smart to understand how gambling laws work in your country.

As of October 1, 2021, online gambling became fully legal in the Netherlands, but only through platforms that hold a license from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The KSA is the official gambling authority. Its job is to protect players, prevent addiction, and make sure games are fair. Only online operators that meet strict rules can get a KSA license. These sites must:

  • Check your age (you must be 18 or older to play)
  • Let you set deposit and time limits
  • Offer tools for self-exclusion (like closing your account if needed)
  • Handle your data securely
  • Keep your money safe in separate accounts

 

If a site doesn’t have a KSA license, it is not legal to operate in the Dutch market, even if it’s licensed elsewhere. Some international lobbies still accept Dutch players, but they are not allowed to advertise or offer services here.

Go to the official KSA website and look for the list of licensed operators. You can also scroll to the bottom of any Dutch gambling website and look for the KSA logo. If it’s missing, further investigation might be needed.

Licensed Dutch gambling lobbies also have a unique registration system called CRUKS — a national self-exclusion registry. If you’ve signed up for CRUKS or have been added by request (e.g., due to problem gambling), you won’t be able to access any licensed sites.

Some international lobbies operate with licenses from Malta, Curaçao, or other countries. These sites may still let you join if you live in the Netherlands. However: They cannot guarantee you the same player protection You understand that, should disputes happen, they should be managed with the international regulator

Good news: No, you don’t pay tax on winnings from legal Dutch casinos. Licensed operators pay the tax for you. This is one reason why sticking with licensed sites makes sense — everything is handled for you. However, if you win money from a site without a Dutch license, things get more confusing. Technically, you might be responsible for reporting that income. This isn’t enforced often, but it’s better to play it safe and stick to regulated platforms.

FAQ – Dutch Gambling Laws

Yes, for the sites licensed by the KSA.

 

Check for the KSA logo at the bottom of the site, or visit the KSA’s official licensee list.

 

You might be able to access them, but they are not legal in the Dutch market and offer no protection under local law.

No. If you play at a KSA-licensed site, the casino pays taxes. Your winnings are yours to keep.

CRUKS is a Dutch self-exclusion tool. If you sign up or are added to the registry, you’ll be blocked from gambling at all licensed Dutch casinos.

Online gambling is growing fast in the Netherlands, and the Dutch market has a few features that make it stand out from others in Europe. If you're a local player, it helps to understand the bigger picture and avoid the common traps many beginners fall into.

According to recent data from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), over 850,000 player accounts were created in the first year after legalisation in 2021. Many Dutch users play occasionally — not daily — and the average deposit per session tends to be modest.

On average, Dutch players spend about €25–€30 per gambling session, with most of that going to slots, sports betting, or live dealer games. The majority of players use iDEAL as their go-to payment method, thanks to its simplicity and trust factor.

The Netherlands is putting strong player protection systems in place. In October 2024, deposit limits were introduced: €700 per month for most players, and €300 for those under 25. These rules already show results, with fewer people losing more than €1,000 a month and average losses beginning to drop. 

The national self-exclusion program, CRUKS, also continues to grow, with over 63,000 users opting in by early 2024. This shows that more players are taking responsible gambling seriously, or using the tools available to take a break when needed.

While licensed Dutch casinos are your safest option, some players in the Netherlands are tempted by international gambling sites. Maybe the bonuses look bigger, or the game selection seems more exciting. While this option is not necessarily risky, there’s a lot you should know before heading in that direction.

An international casino is a gambling site that operates under a license from another country, often Curaçao, Malta, or Gibraltar. These sites may accept players from many regions, including the Netherlands, even if they don’t have permission to operate here. Some Dutch players use them because they:

  • Accept cryptocurrencies
  • Have less strict limits on bets and bonuses
  • Offer different games or exclusive slots
  • Allow anonymous play in some cases

If a casino is not licensed by the KSA, you are not protected under Dutch gambling regulations. This means:

  • There’s no CRUKS support for self-exclusion
  • You can’t report problems to a Dutch authority
  • Your rights as a player may not be enforced

 

Also, if a site suddenly bans Dutch users or refuses to pay out your winnings, there’s no easy way to fight it.

You won’t get into legal trouble just for playing on a foreign site. Dutch law targets the operators, not the players. But if something goes wrong — like a locked account or missing withdrawal — you’re on your own. Some of these sites also block Dutch IP addresses or hide their terms and conditions. Others may offer a translated version of the site, but still exclude the Netherlands from their bonus offers. Always check the small print.

Crypto casinos are popular. They let you deposit and withdraw in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital coins. These platforms are almost always international, and most don’t have any national license at all. While transactions are fast and private, it’s harder to:

  • Confirm the casino is fair
  • Prove who you are if there’s an issue
  • Recover lost money

 

Unless you’re already comfortable with crypto and understand the risks, it’s better to start with more regulated sites.

Technically, yes. A VPN can make it look like you’re accessing a site from another country. Some players use this to join casinos that block Dutch IPs. But here’s the problem:

If the casino finds out you used a VPN, they can:

  • Close your account
  • Void your winnings
  • Refuse support

 

In a nutshell, we would advise steering clear of VPNs.

FAQ – International Casinos

No. Only KSA-licensed casinos are allowed to offer services to Dutch players. International sites may still accept you, but they are not regulated here.

Not directly. You won’t be fined or arrested. But you give up all your player protections under Dutch law.

They may not block Dutch users, or they may not actively enforce regional restrictions. That doesn’t make them legal.

It’s risky. If you’re caught, the site can cancel your account and withhold any money you’ve won.

Look for international sites with strong reputations, visible licensing (even if not Dutch), and verified reviews. But always start small and understand the risks involved.

Bonuses are a big part of online gambling, but in the Netherlands, the rules around them are stricter than in many other countries. If you’re used to seeing tempting offers from international lobbies, you might notice things are a bit calmer here, and that’s on purpose.

Let’s look at what kinds of bonuses are available to Dutch players and how to use them wisely.

Since October 2021, important changes have occurred in the Netherlands — only casinos with a KSA license (from the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit) are allowed to offer online gambling in the Netherlands. These licensed sites can offer bonuses, but they must follow strict rules. For example:

  • They can’t show welcome bonuses until you create an account.
  • They can’t “push” promotions at you with pop-ups or emails unless you agree.
  • They’re not allowed to target young people or players who show signs of gambling addiction.

 

So if you sign up with a Dutch-licensed casino, don’t expect wild offers right away. But you’ll still find:

  • Deposit match bonuses (e.g. a certain cash match on the initial deposit)
  • Casino spins on selected slot machines
  • Cashback offers for registered players

Many Dutch-friendly online operators offer special bonuses if you deposit with iDEAL. Some international sites that accept Dutch players run “local payment promos” like casino spins on promoted slot machines, or even exclusive cashback. These offers won’t always appear on the homepage, but they may show up after registration.

Here’s the tricky part: international online lobbieswithout a Dutch license still accept players from the Netherlands. You might see tempting bonuses on those sites, especially if they are licensed in Curaçao or Malta. While you can claim those bonuses, be aware:

  • They are not regulated by the KSA
  • If something goes wrong (e.g. they refuse to pay your winnings), you might have to be ready for lengthy disputes
  • Some of them may exclude Dutch players from bonuses in the fine print

 

So always read theterms and conditions — especially the “restricted countries” section.

Some offshore online operators offer huge crypto bonuses. These are usually meant for players who deposit in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other tokens. If you plan to use crypto, check whether:

  • The site accepts Dutch players
  • The bonus applies to your country
  • There’s a clear cashout policy

 

These offers might look great, but they often have high wagering requirements or tight withdrawal limits.

FAQ – Bonuses for Dutch Players

Yes — but only on sites with a KSA license. Those sites must follow strict rules when offering and advertising promotions.

Yes. In fact, some casinos offer extra perks for using iDEAL, especially if you’re playing in euros.

 

It’s the law. Dutch-licensed operators are not allowed to aggressively promote bonuses on their homepage. They can only show offers after you register and confirm you want to receive them.

You might be able to, but check the terms. Some sites block Dutch players from claiming promotions or bonuses altogether.

Before you start spinning slots or joining a blackjack table, let’s talk about money. How you handle your deposits, withdrawals, and spending will shape your entire gambling experience. The good news is, it gets easy when you break it down.

Before anything else, decide how much money you’re willing to lose. That’s your gambling budget. This should be extra money, not something you need for rent, bills, or groceries. Once you’ve picked a number, stick to it. If you lose it, you stop.

A good way to keep control is to set a weekly or monthly limit. Many Dutch online operators even let you set deposit or loss limits inside your player account.

Players in the Netherlands have several safe options for safe and convenient payments. Here are the most common:

  1. i

    DEAL
    : This method is fast, trusted, and directly connected to Dutch banks. It’s the most popular choice in the country.
  2. Credit or debit cards: These work well for both deposits and withdrawals but might have extra fees.
  3. Bank transfers: This option is extremely reliable, but it is also slower than other methods.
  4. E-wallets (like Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal): E-wallets are a common way to deposit and withdraw in online lobbies. They work for deposits and withdrawals and are quick and easy once set up.
  • Cryptocurrency: Used at some international casinos, crypto is a method preferred by users across the globe, including the Netherlands. Offers privacy and fast payments, but not beginner-friendly unless you already use crypto.

Making a deposit is usually instant. Just choose your method, type in the amount, and confirm. Withdrawals take longer — usually between 1 and 5 days, depending on the method. You’ll also need to verify your identity before cashing out for the first time. This helps prevent fraud and is required by law.

If you’re playing at an international casino that doesn’t accept euros, your bank or e-wallet might charge a currency conversion fee. To avoid this, stick to euro-friendly sites or check fees in advance.

Some casinos offer crypto as the only option. It’s fast and anonymous, but the value can change quickly. If you're new to gambling and crypto, it’s usually better to start with euros using iDEAL or a bank card.

FAQ – Finances

Yes. Most Dutch-licensed casinos support iDEAL, which connects directly to your bank account.

No. As a player, you don’t pay tax on winnings from legal Dutch casinos. The operators handle that.

If you live in the Netherlands, start with iDEAL. It’s secure, familiar, and fast.

Start small. Try to keep it safe and anxiety-free while you’re learning. You can always add more later if you want.

Once you've found a site, claimed your welcome bonus, and made your first deposit, it’s time for the fun part: playing games. But with so many options on the screen, it’s easy to feel lost at first. This section will walk you through the most common game types you’ll find at Dutch-licensed and international lobbies.

If you’re new to online gambling, start withslots. These are the easiest games to play. Just press spin and see what happens. You don’t need any special knowledge, and wins are based on luck.

What to Look For in a Slot:

  • RTP (Return to Player) — This is the percentage of money the game pays back over time. A slot with 96% RTP is considered solid. The higher, the better.
  • Volatility — Low volatility means small, frequent wins. High volatility means fewer, but bigger, payouts.
  • Bonus Features — Free spins, wild symbols, and mini-games can make slots more exciting.

 

Many Dutch sites feature slots by Nolimit City, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play, which are popular and reliable game providers.

If you prefer a bit of strategy or just love the gambling vibe, try these classics:

  • Blackjack – Your goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. It’s simple to learn and has some of the best odds for players.
  • Roulette – Bet on red or black, a specific number, or a section of the wheel. European roulette (common at Dutch casinos) has better odds than American roulette.
  • Baccarat – A low-stakes game with three choices: Player, Banker, or Tie. No complex rules.

 

These games are usually available in both digital and live formats.

Dutch-licensed sites now offer full live dealer sections, where you can join a real table streamed to your screen. These games are hosted by professional dealers and feel very close to the experience of playing in a land-based casino. Popular live games include:

  • Live Blackjack
  • Live Roulette
  • Live Baccarat
  • Game Shows like Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Deal or No Deal

 

Most of these are run by trusted providers like Evolution or Pragmatic Play Live. You can chat with the dealer, tip them, or watch while others play.

These are faster games that appeal to players looking for something different. You’ll find them more often at international casinos than Dutch-licensed ones, but they’re growing in popularity.

  • Crash games – You bet, then watch a multiplier grow in real time. Cash out before the line crashes to keep your winnings.
  • Plinko, Aviator, and Mines – Simple, fast-paced games that don’t follow classic casino rules.

 

Some crypto-focused casinos specialize in these types of games, but always check if Dutch players are allowed before signing up.

FAQ – Games for Beginners

Most beginners try slots first — they’re simple, fast, and don’t require any strategy.

Blackjack and European roulette have some of the best odds. Look for versions with low house edges.

Yes. KSA-licensed sites must use certified, random number generators (RNGs) or trusted live providers to ensure fairness.

Yes. Most sites offer demo versions of slots and table games. This is a great way to learn without spending money.

Many online operators licensed in the Netherlands offer Dutch-language interfaces and Dutch-speaking support, especially in live dealer rooms.

Online gambling can be a fun and safe activity if you take the right steps from the beginning. As a new player in the Netherlands, the best way to start is by choosing a KSA-licensed site or an internationally-certified one that has a solid permit and good reviews online, setting a budget, and playing games you enjoy and understand. Take your time with bonuses, use the tools available to stay in control, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. Stick to these habits, and you’ll be able to enjoy the world of online gaming with confidence and peace of mind.

New Online Casinos in Netherlands