Netherlands Betting Sites
- Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
- Top Betting Sites for Netherlands
- Legality and Regulation
- Dutch Gambling Act of 1964
- Remote Gambling Bill
- Events Coverage and Markets
- Popular Odds Format
- Payment Solutions
- Credit and Debit Cards
- Digital Wallets
- Instant Bank Transfers
- Bonuses and Rewards
- Customer Support
| Updated: Below, you can find our expert reviews of reputable, regulated sports betting sites operating in the Netherlands. Each betting site has been thoroughly tested and verified by our team.
Known as one of the most progressive countries in the world, the Netherlands is a great place for those who want to place bets online. Despite the largely liberal views of the Dutch, gambling and betting were offered through state monopolies for a long time, and the market began opening to private and foreign operators only in recent years. Sports betting fans in the country of tulips now have access to some of the largest online sportsbooks and can place bets on a wide range of sports and leagues.
Like most European countries, the Netherlands has a long tradition of gambling. Its state lottery, the Nederlandse Staatsloterij, was first established in 1726. However, the Dutch have not always taken a liberal approach to gambling and betting, and the lottery was the only legal form of gambling until the 20th century. This gradually changed, and in 1961, a second state monopoly, De Lotto, was launched to oversee all sports betting operations in the country. Casino games and lottery products were also granted monopoly status in the 1970s, while slot machines in bars were commercialized during the following decade.
Dutch Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Top Betting Sites for the Netherlands
bet365
Bet Now Review
Regulators- Netherlands Gaming
- Authority license No. 1690
- MGA license No. MGA/CRP/531/2018, and others
Min Deposit€5 - €15Max Withdrawal- bank transfer - €50,000
- PayPall - €8,000
Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- bank transfer - 1-5 days
- PayPal - up to 24 hours
- Extensive experience in the online gaming industry
- Numerous bonuses and promotions
- Responsive customer support team
- Dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices
- Competitive odds
- Extensive market coverage
Bettors in the Netherlands can visit bet365 for a smooth, fair, and entertaining betting experience. As one of the dominant brands in the global betting industry, bet365 knows how to deliver a high-quality experience for its customers. The sportsbook provides competitive odds across a wide range of sports.
Another highlight of bet365 is the extensive selection of betting markets available across its sports coverage. This variety allows bettors to select the options they believe best fit their betting strategies. Live betting is also available, allowing bet365 members to place in-play wagers on many major sporting events.
The gambling and betting industry in the country was regulated and overseen by the College van Toezicht op de Kansspelen, or the Netherlands Gaming Control Board. The board was established in 1996 and operated until 2012, when it was replaced by the Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA). For many years, online betting was not regulated in the country, and authorities tried to block offshore betting sites available in Dutch.
They also imposed a ban on financial transactions to and from betting operators located outside the country. However, the banks did not comply and continued to process gambling-related transactions because they believed the ban infringed on citizens’ rights. Over the years, the government has recognized the economic importance of the multibillion-dollar European gambling and betting industries. As a result, it introduced new regulations aimed at controlling the forms of gambling that emerged with the rise of the Internet, online sportsbooks, and online casinos.
Online sports betting became much more accessible in the Netherlands, allowing players to take advantage of various bonuses and special offers. Some of the leading European betting operators provide their services to Dutch customers, offering competitive odds across thousands of betting markets, local payment options, and even customer support in Dutch. However, these operators function within a gray legal area, as there is only one licensed sports betting operator in the Netherlands, the monopoly known as De Lotto (Lotto B.V.).
Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in the Netherlands
The KSA regulates and oversees land-based and online sports betting operations in the Netherlands. However, foreign operators are not allowed to offer their services to Dutch customers, although most of their websites can be accessed from the country. The regulator has imposed substantial fines on multiple betting companies after finding that their online platforms targeted customers in the Netherlands and accepted bets without a license.
Bettors, on the other hand, are not prosecuted and, in practice, can register and place bets at various online sportsbooks without worrying about being fined. Offshore operators were expected to be able to apply for Dutch licenses and legally offer their services within a regulated market. The new legislation, known as the Remote Gambling Bill, was expected to be passed and implemented in 2019.
Dutch Gambling Act of 1964
The main piece of legislation governing gambling activities is the Dutch Gambling Act of 1964 (Wet op de kansspelen). Under this law, all unlicensed forms of gambling or betting are effectively prohibited. This includes online betting on sporting events. The law defines sports betting as providing participants with an opportunity to guess or predict the results of sporting competitions.
Land-based sports betting products are offered under exclusive, semi-permanent licenses. Revenue from such operations is allocated to various projects and programs in sports, culture, public health, and social well-being. Land-based betting and gambling operators are required to pay a gambling tax (kansspelbelasting) at a rate of 29%. The tax was temporarily increased to 30.1% in 2018. This source tax is based on the value of the prize and applies only when the prize exceeds €449. It is levied on both operators and customers.
Remote Gambling Bill
The Remote Gambling Bill, originally proposed in 2015, had yet to be passed into law by the legislature. In 2016, it received approval from the lower house of Parliament but still required approval from the Senate. In September 2018, the draft legislation was published for public consultation, with final approval expected sometime in 2019. The bill defines remote gambling as gambling and betting services “provided at a distance using electronic means of communication”. This definition covers both online and mobile betting.
The Remote Gambling Bill was intended to allow an unlimited number of licenses to be granted in two major categories: sports betting and casino gaming. The licenses would be issued for a maximum period of 5 years to operators based in the European Union. There could be some exceptions, but strict restrictions would apply to non-EU operators. To obtain a license, online sportsbooks would also need to implement specific problem-gambling prevention policies, including self-exclusion options and deposit limits. Policies designed to protect the integrity of sports would also be required. Remote gambling operators would need to pay a 29% tax on their GGR (gross gaming revenue).
Dutch Sporting Events Coverage and Markets
Online sportsbooks available to Dutch bettors accept wagers on a wide range of sports, and many large sites offer thousands of betting markets. However, it is important to note that, compared with people in other European nations, the Dutch are not particularly avid bettors. This could be explained by the lack of regulation in the sector and the restrictions on online betting advertising. Once the Remote Gambling Bill was passed into law, the liberalization of the market was expected to enable more people to bet on their favorite sports and teams using computers and mobile devices.
What the Dutch do love, however, is soccer. The country is home to around 1.5 million soccer players, which is quite impressive considering that the entire population of the Netherlands is approximately 17 million. The country has also given the world legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp, as well as the concept of total football. The extensive television coverage of domestic leagues and international championships reflects the popularity of the sport, as do the thousands of soccer betting markets available to online bettors.
Bettors can place wagers on the Eredivisie, the top-tier professional league in the Netherlands, as well as other popular European leagues such as the Bundesliga in Germany, the Premier League in England, and La Liga in Spain. Bets can also be placed on the Champions League, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Football Championship, and Copa América.
Another sport that is highly popular in the Netherlands is field hockey, with many youngsters participating in the junior league of the Royal Dutch Hockey Association. The women’s national team has won the World Cup six times, becoming the most successful team in the history of the competition. The men’s field hockey team has also won the World Cup three times. Fans of the sport can place bets on these international competitions or choose from select domestic markets available at some of the largest betting sites.
Interestingly, baseball is one of the country’s most beloved sports. The Netherlands’ national team is the most successful team in the European Baseball Cup, having won the title 22 times. It also regularly competes in the World Baseball Classic, and some of its players are MLB (Major League Baseball) stars. Bets are available on all MLB events, as well as various local competitions and leagues, such as the Mexican LMP and Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.
Basketball, volleyball, and cricket are quite popular in the country, with Dutch national teams achieving some success on the European and global stages. Rugby union and ice hockey are also played in the Netherlands, although korfball attracts greater participation. This mixed-gender sport was invented at the beginning of the 20th century by a Dutch schoolteacher. Although it is very popular among young people in the country, it is rarely available at sports betting sites. Wagers on volleyball, basketball, rugby, and cricket, on the other hand, can be placed on most online betting platforms.
Bets on cycling competitions are also available, and the Netherlands is probably the country where this form of transportation is most popular. After all, there are more bicycles than people. Many international bookmakers also offer odds on the Olympic Games, American football, tennis, winter sports, golf, swimming, boxing, combat sports such as Muay Thai and kickboxing, horse racing, and motorsports. Some betting sites even allow Dutch bettors to wager on the outcomes of local and traditional sports such as Frisian handball, canal jumping (fierljeppen), kolven, and Klootschieten.
Popular Odds Format in the Netherlands
For many bettors, wagering on sports is a favorite pastime, but those looking to win tend to bet on sports and leagues they know well. Still, knowledge and the choice of a good betting website cannot guarantee success. Every sports betting fan knows that favorable odds are among the most important factors for long-term betting success. Odds indicate the expected return on a winning bet and essentially represent the probability that a particular team or athlete will win.
However, online bookmakers use several formats to present odds, including moneyline odds, fractional odds, which are mainly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and decimal odds. Decimal odds are the most common format across Europe, and the Netherlands is no exception. Most online bookmakers offer decimal odds, while some also allow bettors to switch among the three formats.
How can sports betting fans determine whether the odds offered for a particular sporting event provide good value? First, they need a good understanding of the sport, league, or athlete on which they are betting to determine which team is more likely to win. In other words, they need to decide for themselves who the favorite and the underdog are. Once they have done this, they can examine the odds shown in decimal format.
Even odds in the decimal system are represented as 2.00. To calculate the potential payout, multiply the amount wagered by the odds. If you bet $100 and win, you will receive a total payout of $200. This includes your initial $100 wager and $100 in winnings. If you win a $100 bet at odds of 1.5, on the other hand, you will receive $150. At such odds, bettors must wager more than the amount they can expect to win.
Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the European Union member states that use the euro (EUR, €) as their official currency. International online bookmakers may also support payments in USD, GBP, CAD, and other major currencies. When it comes to payment methods, Dutch bettors can choose from a wide variety of options, ranging from traditional wire transfers and credit cards to digital wallets and instant bank transfers.
However, bettors who wish to use specific local payment processors, such as iDEAL, to bet online should consider the available alternatives. The Dutch regulator, the KSA, began imposing substantial fines on international bookmakers catering to customers based in the Netherlands. Until the Remote Gambling Bill was passed, providing betting and gambling services to Dutch customers was effectively illegal. Several betting sites had already been fined by the regulatory authority for offering customer support in Dutch and accepting iDEAL payments.
Credit and Debit Cards
All major credit card brands can be used in the Netherlands, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, as the Dutch are not particularly fond of debt, they are more likely to use debit and prepaid cards linked to their bank accounts. Whichever type of card they choose, they can use it to make deposits and withdrawals at sports betting sites.
Funding an online account with one of these cards is instantaneous and often free of charge. Most betting sites also offer free withdrawals to credit and debit cards, although the processing time for these transactions typically ranges from 2 to 5 business days. By using a major card brand such as Mastercard or Visa, bettors can rely on secure transfers with protections against theft, loss, and damage.
Digital Wallets
Another widely used payment method, especially for online gambling and betting, is the digital wallet. Dutch-friendly betting sites typically offer at least one or two e-wallets, which allow customers to transfer funds to and from their electronic accounts easily and within seconds. Digital wallets are safe, reliable, and easy-to-use tools that store personal and financial information to make payments quick and convenient.
Leading global brands such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are commonly available at online sportsbooks. Deposits made through these services are instant, while withdrawals from a betting site usually take no more than one or two days. Another major advantage is that they generally involve no additional fees or charges. Many European sportsbooks also offer EcoPayz, an online payment service that facilitates fast, easy, and secure transfers over the Internet. In addition to the EcoPayz e-wallet, bettors can explore other options offered by the service, such as a prepaid card and a single-use prepaid ecoVirtualcard.
Instant Bank Transfers
Most betting platforms accept payments through traditional bank transfers and online banking. However, as is the case in many countries, some banks in the Netherlands tend to reject transactions to and from gambling or betting sites. Some services described as direct or instant bank transfers function as intermediaries between banks and online merchants.
As these services work with specific banks or banking groups, their availability is usually limited to a particular country or region. The most popular payment method of this type in the Netherlands is iDEAL, a local service created specifically for Dutch customers with online banking accounts at Dutch banks. However, betting sites offering this method were targeted by the KSA, so bettors may prefer to use other methods to deposit funds and withdraw winnings from online sportsbooks. Alternatives include prepaid cards such as Entropay and Paysafecard, cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and other online banking methods.
Bonuses and Rewards for Dutch Sports Bettors
As Dutch betting sites are usually offshore brands catering to European customers, their promotions are fairly standard, and bettors can expect decent sign-up bonuses when making their first deposit. No-deposit bonuses are rare, and free bet amounts are average compared with those offered by sportsbooks operating in unregulated markets. Still, Dutch betting fans can benefit from the safety and reliability of licensed, well-established betting companies, even though these operators are unable to apply for a local license.
Moreover, promotions offered by Dutch-friendly betting sites come with clear terms and conditions, and few bonuses are subject to rollover requirements. However, the specific terms vary considerably among platforms and depend on the type of promotion. Deposit bonuses, for instance, are usually offered to newly registered customers and capped at a certain amount. To qualify, bettors may need to wager their deposit before receiving bonus funds worth up to 100% or even 200% of the deposited amount. Once the bets have been settled and the bonus amount has been wagered two or three times, bettors can cash out their winnings.
Many online sportsbooks also offer free bet tokens to customers who lose their first wagers or manage to bet a specified amount within the first week of registering an account. Such free bets are usually granted after the qualifying wagers have been settled. However, requirements may apply, including minimum odds, specific markets, or qualifying bet types. Free bets are typically awarded for either singles or accumulators, but not both. Most betting sites also have VIP programs and loyalty schemes that reward customers who deposit and wager more.
Customer Support at Dutch Betting Sites
As the betting and gambling market remains unregulated in the Netherlands, hundreds of offshore online platforms accept bets from Dutch bettors. Some are operated by large betting companies authorized and licensed by respected regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom. Others, however, lack proper licensing and are known within sports betting and gambling communities for poor fair-play and payout practices. Customer support at such betting sites is also less reliable than bettors might expect.
For this reason, bettors should carefully choose the online sportsbook at which they wager real money. Reputable betting operators offer professional support around the clock through live chat, email, or phone. Very few betting sites provide local support in Dutch, but this is unlikely to concern most Dutch betting fans because the majority of people in the Netherlands, around 80%, are fluent in English, and approximately half of the population speaks at least three languages.