SlotThe Netherlands blends centuries-old lottery tradition with a tightly state-controlled, safety-first modern market. Home to the world’s oldest running lottery - the Staatsloterij, founded in 1726 - the country long channelled gambling through the state before opening a regulated online market in October 2021. Today Dutch culture pairs enthusiasm for lotteries, TOTO sports pools and Holland Casino table games with a strong public expectation of player protection and channelling revenue to good causes and the treasury.
A long history of state-controlled play
The Staatsloterij launched in 1726 (its predecessor, the Generaliteitsloterij, held its first draw in the Ridderzaal in The Hague), and it remains the oldest continuously running lottery in the world - marking its 300th anniversary in 2026. The modern legal framework began with the Betting and Gaming Act (Wet op de Kansspelen) in 1964. In 1976 the state opened Holland Casino in Zandvoort - the country’s first legal casino - establishing a state-controlled casino network. The landmark modern shift came on 1 October 2021, when licensed operators could begin offering online gambling under the KOA Act, letting licensed private operators compete alongside the state brands.
Games and bets that are culturally popular
Dutch gambling culture is anchored in lotteries. The Staatsloterij’s New Year’s Eve Oudejaarstrekking is a national event with headline jackpots. Nederlandse Loterij also runs Lotto, Eurojackpot and Krasloten (scratchcards), among other games.
| Category | Popular products |
|---|---|
| Lotteries | Staatsloterij, Lotto, Eurojackpot, Krasloten |
| Sports betting | TOTO (Nederlandse Loterij) |
| Casino (land) | Holland Casino - roulette, blackjack |
| Casino (online) | Slots, live dealer, poker |
Poker has a loyal Dutch following, and since 2021 a new wave of players has embraced live dealer games and mobile betting.
Social and religious attitudes
The Netherlands is culturally liberal and pragmatic, favouring regulation over prohibition - similar to its approach to other social policies. Gambling is broadly socially accepted as entertainment, but there is strong public and political emphasis on preventing harm. This shows in strict advertising limits, mandatory CRUKS self-exclusion, and the state’s continued control of Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij. Revenue that flows to the treasury and to good causes is part of how the public accepts a regulated market.
The modern regulated market
Since October 2021 the Netherlands has run one of Europe’s more tightly supervised online markets, overseen by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). Around 27 operators hold licences (as of late 2025), and every one must connect to CRUKS and enforce responsible-gambling tooling. A rising gambling tax - 37.8% in 2026 - and concerns about play migrating to unlicensed sites remain live policy debates.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. If it stops being fun, set limits, self-exclude via CRUKS (cruks.nl), or call Loket Kansspel on 0800-1995. Please gamble responsibly.