As the Netherlands is on the verge of launching its regulated online gambling market, the Netherlands Gaming Authority and the Maltese Lotteries and Gaming Authority recently signed an agreement to share information and cooperate on gambling issues. NGA officials said the deal with Malta is especially significant since large numbers of betting operators are based there. Last November the NGA reached a similar pact with Belgium.
Observers expected Dutch legislators to approve the nation’s Remote Gaming Bill by January 1, 2015. However, but leaders of the country’s upper legislative house said the bill will be brought up for a vote before the summer recess, meaning the law may not take effect until as late as January 1, 2016. Nevertheless, the NGA has asked operators interested in a Dutch gaming license to declare their intentions by the end of 2014.
In preparation for the online gambling launch, this summer the NGA issued warnings to operators to cease dealings with illegal bookmakers and fined those who ignored the stipulation. Bookmakers including William Hill have taken steps to not jeopardize their chance to win a Dutch license.
