Opposition of License Auction by Online Gambling Companies

A report in the Financieele Dagblad regarding the government's plan to auction off a certain amount of operating licenses was recently published. This event is set to take place next year; however it is not looked upon with favor by the online gambling companies situated in the Netherlands.
License fees for online gambling are looked on as lucrative and the government is hoping to receive €10 million in this sector. Under Dutch law it is illegal to target Dutch online gamblers. And yet despite this fact, this area is currently unregulated.

According to STIOGG, the gaming foundation, it is only when there is an unlimited amount of licenses available for online poker, betting and bingo that correct regulation is able to be encouraged. At present, the government is involved in drawing up draft legislation regarding this sensitive issue.

Meanwhile, Holland Casino, is attempting to enlarge their range of catering and entertainment. Holland Casino is the state's most dominant casino, which makes their impact in the arena substantial. This is putting them at risk and they have been warned to this effect by the national audit office.

There is supposed to be an attempt made by Holland Casino to fight against gambling addictions which are so prominent in our society today. Their desire to expand their repertoire of games negates this aim, but transforming a casino into an entire entertainment center, which in effect, encourages large portions of the population to begin or continue gambling. The Financieele Dagblad has commented on the impact of the transformation in regards to the gambling community.