Crypto Casino
Torrent Gear
A history of gambling in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in Europe where the history of gambling is closely intertwined with urban self-government, trade and charity. From early lotteries in favor of bridges and hospitals to a modern digital ecosystem with a register of self-exclusion and a strict advertising policy, the Dutch model has changed, but remained true to the principle: the game is allowed insofar as it is controlled and socially justified.
1) Middle Ages and Early Modern Times: City, Charity and Game
City lotteries. Already in the XV-XVI centuries, Dutch cities held public lotteries, directing fees for the construction of embankments, gates, hospitals and orphanages. Draws became city holidays connecting the economy and community solidarity.
Taverns and fairs. Dice, cards, board games and betting on craft guild contests are the daily fabric of city life.
Religious and moral optics. Under the influence of the Reformation, the authorities periodically tighten the rules, separating "useful" lotteries from "idle" excitement; the idea of discipline and public benefit lays the future logic of regulation.
2) XVII-XVIII centuries: The golden age of trade and the institutionalization of lotteries
Mass pranks. Against the background of the trade upsurge, lotteries are becoming a regular tool for financing public projects.
Forerunner of the state model. Centralized supervision is gradually being formed: draws are allowed with transparent rules, with reporting to the magistrates.
3) XIX century: to codification and limitation
Rationalization of law. A century of administrative reforms: Provinces and the royal administration are tightening permits, seeking to limit street and underground excitement.
Social concerns. Discussions about poverty, debt and "idleness" reinforce the request for bans and licensing.
4) XX century: modern legal framework and the birth of national brands
1964 — Wet op de kansspelen (Wok). The basic Gambling Act specifies that any excitement is only permissible under licence and in the public interest. This delegates control of the form, scope and targeting of the game to the state.
1976 — Holland Casino. The state operator of land-based casinos appears with an exclusive license; later, the network spreads to large cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, etc.), forming a "European" casino culture with a dress code, responsible practices and tax transparency.
Goslotherei and sports. The historical Staatsloterij (origins - XVIII century) receives a modern form; TOTO sports betting is developing. Lotteries are becoming a sustainable source of funding for culture, sports and NGOs.
Slot machines. In the second half of the century, separate norms are introduced for arcade halls and slots: the division into entertainment and gambling, strict requirements for placement and supervision.
5) XXI century: regulator, digitalization and responsible play
2012 — Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa). An independent regulator is being created, responsible for licenses, supervision, sanctions and protection of players.
2021 — KoA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand). The "Law on Online Gambling at a Distance" comes into force: licensing of online casinos and betting starts, centralized RG tools are introduced.
CRUKS. The national register of self-exclusion becomes the heart of the responsible game: any licensed operator (both online and offline) is obliged to check the player in CRUKS before admission.
Advertising and behavioral advocacy. Marketing rules are gradually being tightened, especially for "non-targeted" advertising and vulnerable groups; audit of bonuses, frequency of fluffs and omnichannel communication is increasing.
6) Institutions and economics: how the "Dutch model" works
State interest over turnover. The main goal is not to maximize GGR, but to balance income, public benefit and harm minimization.
Limited licenses. Clear requirements for capital, technology, antifreeze, KYC/AML and RG tools; strict reporting and IT audit.
Role of the state lottery. Staatsloterij/Nederlandse Loterij supports sports and social projects while maintaining trust in the "official" game.
Holland Casino as standard. The casino model has become a benchmark for behavioral safety: staff training, voluntary limits, consultations and "pauses."
7) Culture and public debate
Pragmatic humanism. Dutch society allows play as part of leisure, but expects transparent restrictions from the state and mature self-control from operators.
Focus on the vulnerable. Media and NGOs seek a rigid framework of advertising and bonuses, support for addiction treatment programs and scientific assessment of the impact of gambling practices.
Tourism vs local communities. Casinos and large halls provide jobs and tourist traffic, but any growth is assessed through the prism of RG and the urban environment.
8) Online stage: what has changed after 2021
Licensing of online operators. Both national and international brands come to the market that comply with Dutch standards for IT security, antifreeze and RG.
offlayn↔onlayn integration. General CRUKS checks, uniform approaches to limits, omnichannel support and reporting.
Increased oversight. Ksa actively applies fines for operating without a license, advertising violations and poor-quality KYC/AML procedures.
9) Key milestones (timeline)
XV-XVI centuries - city charity lotteries.
XVII century. - mass rallies in the era of the Golden Age; "public benefit" as an excuse for the game.
1964 - Adoption of Wet op de kansspelen (Wok).
1976 - Holland Casino launches (land casino exclusive).
2012 - Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) institution.
2021 - KoA comes into force: licensing online gambling, CRUKS.
2020s - consistent tightening of advertising rules and emphasis on behavioral protection.
10) What Dutch history teaches
1. The game is a social contract. It is permissible when it serves the common good and is governed by transparent institutions.
2. Technology ≠ liberalization. Digitalization is not accompanied by a "resolution of everything," but by a subtle design of RG restrictions and tools.
3. Trust is a major asset. Licenses, audits, social charges and strict advertising increase legal market share and reduce harm.
Inference.
The history of gambling in the Netherlands is an evolution from urban lotteries to a high-tech market under tight supervision. The Dutch model proves that excitement can be a legitimate part of urban and digital culture if it is built into a system of public goals, demonstrates transparency and keeps a person in the center - his freedoms, limits and protection.