The Netherlands has moved a step closer to regulated online gambling with Holland Casino issuing an urgent Request for Proposals, seeking online gambling expertise to set up an initially free-to-play casino, bingo and poker site.
A draft bill on online gambling in the Netherlands is under review and due to be presented in April, with legislation expected to be in place by the end of 2013.
The coalition government has proposed a 29 per cent tax on gross gaming revenues, which is the current land-based tax rate and which may deter many of the industry’s biggest names.
The RFP seeks a gaming partner for Holland Casino which hopes to have the free-play site live this year, ready for the switch to real-money gambling when the government gives the green light. The urgency is highlighted by a deadline for submissions of February 25, 2013, with the winning bid set to be announced in June 2013.
