The Netherland’s history with online casinos isn’t exactly a long one. Although physical casinos have been allowed in the country for quite a while now (much to the joy of tourists), and players could use casinos that were not regulated by local authorities, it wasn’t until 2021 that operators could finally submit their application for a license.
This is because the Dutch Remote Gambling Act came into effect and offered casinos a legal framework for their activities.
However, as new as the market may be, it’s already thriving. Dozens of operators have already applied, and there’s a lot of healthy competition that favors innovation. What’s more, the Gambling Authority (the Kansspelautoriteit) focuses on user protection, so it’s mandatory for operators to take measures to prevent problem gambling.
Like any booming gambling market, the Dutch market has its particularities and, if we look at the data for the most popular casino games, we’ll spot some interesting trends.
What are the most popular casino games in the Netherlands?
Dutch online casinos offer hundreds of engaging games. From simple ones, with easy mechanics, to advanced games that require years to master.
But which one rules them all? Well, ask a casino enthusiast what their favorite game is, and their answer will probably be: my favorite casino game is slots.
This answer isn’t surprising if we bear in mind that the global slot machine market is growing at a 15.4% CAGR and doesn’t show signs of stopping. The Internet has definitely changed the way people enjoy slot games so that today you no longer have to go to a physical casino to enjoy them. All it takes is a device connected to the Internet, and you have access to hours of fun. Digital transformation has sped things up a lot, and the fact that users can easily withdraw and deposit funds is also a plus.
That being said, not all slot games are the same. While the underlying principle may be the same, developers switch things up by using different themes for their games. For example, some games are based on sports, others on movies, pop culture, and so on. As far as mechanics go, there is some room for variation.
Traditionally, slot games have a single line, and all you have to do is press a button until you hit the jackpot. Now, Dutch players can play slot games with multiple lines, which makes the game a bit more difficult but also more rewarding. Casino enthusiasts can also play slot games which progressive jackpots, which means that the reward gets higher and higher the more they play.
To take things even further, several Dutch online casinos have added slots with bonus levels. At first look, they’re plain old slot games but, as you progress through the game, you unlock hidden levels. The trend started from Japanese slot games, which often feature RPG elements, and it’s already sweeping across Europe.
Apart from slots, other popular casino games worth mentioning include:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
Many of these traditional casino games can be played with a live dealer, and Dutch online casino operators have invested a lot in building stable, high-end platforms that can withstand heavy traffic and guarantee user safety.
Dutch casino players have many bonuses to choose from
What’s the difference between a professional casino player and a beginner?
The numbers of games they played and their win rate, some might say, but one of the most understated differences is the ability to multiply earnings through casino bonuses and promotions.
Casino bonuses have always been easier to find in online casinos than physical ones, but this time, bonuses are greater than ever in the Netherlands. Since operators are now getting their licenses, it’s only normal for them to open with a bang and impress players, so they’re going the extra mile to offer bigger and better bonuses.
Players can even get free gambling on slot machines in online casinos if they take advantage of free spins. Free spins are perks that online casinos offer when new players join the platform or when they deposit a certain amount. They’re the most popular type of bonus among slot game players, but not the only one.
For example, when you become a member of an online casino, you can also get a welcome bonus, which can either be a fixed amount or a certain percentage of your first deposit. Offers can be pretty impressive. It’s not uncommon to find a 200% bonus on your first deposit, within a certain limit. Apart from welcome bonuses, you can also get deposit bonuses, which means that, whenever you deposit funds, the casino will offer you a specific amount.
Some casinos even offer no deposit bonuses! Basically, no matter what kind of player you are, you can find a bonus that matches your needs. Bonuses are an excellent way to boost your earnings, but they can also be used as a risk management tool because you don’t have to use your own funds every time.
Considering that new operators are popping up, looking to leverage the fresh market, bonus variety doesn’t come as a surprise. Players are curious to see what local operators can offer, and many of them have experience gambling abroad. So, even if online casinos haven’t been legal until now, the bar is set quite high, and operators have to meet not only the provisions of the Dutch Gambling Act, but also player expectations.
Although the Dutch market is quite young, the future looks bright. Ever since the new legislation was announced, operators rushed to apply for a license, and casino fans were over the moon. As a result, the gambling market grew significantly, and experts forecast that in the following year, the Netherlands will have one of the strongest gambling markets in Europe, comparable to even that of Italy, Germany, and the UK.