What counts as gambling?

Gambling is a game where you bet money in the hope of winning more money. You don’t know in advance whether you’ll win or lose, as it depends on chance. Gambling occurs in various ways, such as with scratch cards, slot machines, sports betting or in a casino. Some people find gambling exciting or fun, but it can also cause problems if you play too often or spend too much money.

Organise a game of chance yourself

Do you want to organise a game of chance yourself? Then you are a provider. You can find all information about organizing a game of chance on the webiste of the Kansspelautoriteit.

  • Slot machines / fruit machines
  • Roulette
  • Blackjack
  • Baccarat
  • Poker

Please note: Holland Casino is the only physical legal casino that is permitted to offer table games in the Netherlands.

  • Online casinos
  • Online sports betting
  • Online poker
  • Online scratch cards
  • Football matches
  • Horse races
  • Formula 1
  • Staatsloterij
  • Postcode Loterij
  • Scratch cards
  • Bingo (with money stakes)
  • Poker and bingo nights with friends or family (with money stakes)
  • Gambling elements in games
  • Betting with friends (for example “I bet 10 euros that Real Madrid will win.”)
  • Illegal gambling websites
  • Illegal bets
  • Illegal physical casinos
  • Illegal gambling apps
  • Illegal lotteries
  • Illegal poker tournaments
  • Illegal bingo nights

In the Netherlands, it is in any case prohibited to bet on non-sporting events. Therefore, you are not allowed to bet on, for example:

  • the outcome of the Eurovision Song Contest
  • the outcome of (political) elections
  • the birth date of a new prince or princess
  • award ceremonies
  • e-sports
  • sports matches of youth teams