The term “foreign casino” is widely used in the Netherlands in discussions about online gambling, regulation and player choice. While this phrase may seem straightforward, its meaning depends largely on the legal, regulatory and practical context. As a result, understanding what “foreign casino” actually means has become more nuanced and important for players, operators and policymakers alike.
Legal definition and regulatory context
From a legal perspective, a “foreign casino” in the Netherlands usually refers to a gambling operator that does not have a license issued by the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA). Until 2021, almost all online casinos serving Dutch players were technically foreign, as the country did not yet have a regulated online licensing system. With the introduction of the Koa Act, operators can now apply for a Dutch license and legally offer services to Dutch residents. Therefore, when in the Netherlands people also search “online casino buitenland” in this context a foreign casino usually means an operator licensed in another jurisdiction such as Malta or Curacao, but not approved by the KSA.
Jurisdiction and licensing differences
Many foreign casinos available to Dutch players operate under licenses from well-known international regulators. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Curacao Gambling Control Board are among the most common licensing authorities for these operators. While these licenses may provide some level of oversight, they are not equivalent to a Dutch license in terms of local compliance requirements. The Netherlands imposes specific obligations related to consumer protection, responsible gaming measures and data transparency, which foreign operators may not fully comply with in the same way.
Practical implications for Dutch players
For Dutch players, the term “foreign casinos” often has practical implications that go beyond the legal definitions. It can refer to platforms that offer different bonus structures, fewer restrictions or alternative payment methods compared to local licensed operators. Some players perceive foreign casinos as more flexible, especially in areas such as deposit limits or promotional offers. However, this flexibility can also mean that some Dutch consumer protections, including mandatory responsible gaming tools and direct supervision by the KSA, do not apply.
Consumer protection and risk assessment
One of the key differences between licensed Dutch casinos and foreign casinos lies in the consumer protection mechanisms. Operators licensed in the Netherlands must connect to a national self-exclusion register (Cruks), which allows players to block themselves on all legal gaming platforms in the country. Foreign casinos are not connected to this system, meaning that excluded players can potentially continue to gamble on these sites. Furthermore, dispute resolution processes may differ, as complaints against foreign operators must be handled through their respective licensing authorities, rather than the Dutch regulator.
Market Perception and Ongoing Debate
The concept of foreign casinos in the Netherlands remains part of an ongoing public and political debate. Supporters of strict regulation argue that encouraging players to use locally licensed platforms increases consumer safety and tax transparency. Others point out that as long as foreign operators have reputable international licenses, they are still operating within an established regulatory framework. Ultimately, the term “foreign casino” reflects more than geography; it reflects the difference between compliance with national regulatory requirements and international licensing structures in a rapidly evolving gambling market.
