The development of the casino has not stood still.
Previously, online gambling was not allowed in the Netherlands, but many people still took a chance online. Partly due to the government's tolerance policy, it seemed acceptable for many to do so. Until 2021, there was no specific regulation for managing online casinos. This led to a large number of Dutch people trying their luck at international casinos without a Dutch license, out of sight of the Dutch Gambling Authority.
The situation changed in 2021 with the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which legalized and regulated online gambling within Dutch borders, and introduced the Cruks register to prevent and manage gambling addiction. This register allows players to temporarily or permanently exclude themselves from participating in online gambling activities - known as the gambling stop. All licensed online casinos in the Netherlands are required to participate in Cruks and verify their customers' identities through their BSN.
Which games are the most popular in the online casino?
Hard statistics regarding how often each game is played in a legal online casino in the Netherlands unfortunately do not exist. What we do know from our own experience, but also when you just ask around, is that certain types of games are played very often. These categories of games are therefore overrepresented in the offerings of online casinos. Which games these are and how they should roughly be played will be described in the section below.
Slot Machines/ Slot Games
Digital slot machines, or slot games, are known for their simplicity and the minimal strategic thinking required. Their appeal lies in the diverse themes, innovative game elements, and the chance to win large amounts, especially with progressive jackpots.
(Live) Roulette
Roulette is the classic casino game where you bet on numbers or groups of numbers on a spinning wheel. The tension of the waiting ball makes each game exciting. The different variants of roulette, such as European, American, and French, mainly differ in the number of zeros on the wheel.
Poker
Poker attracts many players with its unique mix of luck, skill, strategy, and reading opponents. It is both a game with open cards, where you know what is being played, and a game in which you must decipher your opponent's bluff and strategy. The possibility of winning or losing significantly makes poker both exciting and challenging.
The popularity of poker is also due to the media, with countless TV shows, movies, and books portraying the game as glamorous and full of adventure, often seen as a sign of sophistication and cleverness.
Sports Betting
Betting on sports outcomes adds an extra dimension to following sports. Especially the so-called 'Proposition Betting', where you bet on specific events within a match, adds a layer of strategy and excitement. This form of betting is very popular due to the higher payouts for unexpected outcomes. Football, tennis, darts, Formula 1, and speed skating are popular choices among Dutch gamblers.
Blackjack
In a legal online casino, Blackjack is extremely popular. The goal is to get closer to 21 points than the dealer without going over this number. Blackjack is popular for several reasons, including.
- Simple rules: Blackjack has relatively simple rules that are quick to learn, making the game accessible for beginners.
- Strategic element: despite the simple rules, Blackjack allows for strategic play. Players must make decisions that can increase their chances of winning.
- Low house edge:** With the right strategy, the house edge of the casino in blackjack can be reduced to one of the lowest in the casino, increasing the player's chances of winning.
- Speed of the game: a hand in blackjack can be played quickly, resulting in a dynamic and exciting game flow.
**These elements make Blackjack a beloved game, even for serious gamblers.
In conclusion
Gambling at a legal online casino in the Netherlands can be both entertaining and exciting, as long as you choose a reliable online casino. For this, you can use comparison sites like those of Trustpilot. Especially games like Poker, slot machines, and Roulette are not only very popular in the Netherlands but also internationally.
