Hard Rock Casino gets Dutch approval to add sports betting
The Kansspelautoriteit has granted approval for the launch, which is effective from Sept. 12.
Hard Rock Casino has received regulatory approval to add sports betting to its online gambling offering in the Netherlands.
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) granted the approval to iCasion BV, the locally registered company that operates the Hard Rock Casino NL website, the Malta-based SpinCore Group announced.
The sports betting approval is effective from Sept. 12.
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“This marks another exciting chapter in the journey of Hard Rock Casino Netherlands and represents an important step forward in our ambition to deliver an even more complete online gaming experience,” the company said in a statement.
The brand has until now focused exclusively on online casino gaming in the Dutch market and operates solely within it.
It is not connected to Hard Rock Digital, the global betting and gaming business owned by Hard Rock International.
Licence renewals underway
The approval comes at a time when the KSA is renewing the first wave of Dutch online gambling licences originally issued ahead of the opening of the regulated market in 2021.
The regulator has already renewed licences for operators including TOTO Online, Holland Casino, Play North, FairPlay Casino, Bingoal, bet365, BetCity and GG Poker.
In early September, the KSA approved the licences held by TOTO Online, Holland Casino, Play North, FairPlay Casino, Bingoal, bet365, BetCity, GG Poker and BetCity.
Regulatory and tax pressures
The sector faces significant pressure from a tax rate of 38.7 per cent on gross gambling revenue, which many operators believe has put the regulated market at a disadvantage.
Advertising restrictions and competition from unlicensed operators are also challenges.
Some estimates suggest channelisation, the rate of play directed to licensed sites, fell to 49 per cent in 2025.
Battling the black market has become a focus for regulated Dutch platforms.
Industry association VNLOK, the biggest trade body for regulated Dutch betting firms, has launched legal action against social media giant Meta over what it alleges is the widespread presence of illegal gambling advertising across the platform’s services.
Policymakers are moving to implement a full ban on gambling advertising.
“Behind this achievement lies an incredible amount of hard work, determination and teamwork,” the company’s statement added.