Betsson, one of the world’s largest online gambling companies, recently withdrew its application for a license to operate in the Netherlands. This decision was made after the Dutch government announced that it would be introducing a new online gambling law that would require operators to pay a 29% tax on their gross gaming revenue.
The new law, which is set to take effect in 2021, has been met with criticism from the online gambling industry. Many operators have argued that the tax rate is too high and could make it difficult for them to remain profitable in the Netherlands. Betsson was one of the first companies to announce that it would be withdrawing its application for a license in response to the new law.
Betsson has been operating in the Netherlands since 2017, when it acquired a local operator. The company had hoped to expand its presence in the country by obtaining a license under the new law. However, Betsson decided that the new tax rate was too high and that it would be better for the company to focus on other markets.
The decision by Betsson to withdraw its application for a license in the Netherlands is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s online gambling market. With one of the world’s largest operators no longer competing in the market, it could lead to fewer choices for Dutch players and less competition among operators.
It remains to be seen whether other operators will follow Betsson’s lead and withdraw their applications for a license in the Netherlands. If more companies decide to pull out of the market, it could lead to an even more limited selection of online gambling options for Dutch players.
Overall, Betsson’s decision to withdraw its application for a license in the Netherlands is an important development in the online gambling industry. It is a sign that operators are not willing to accept unfavorable terms from governments and that they are willing to take action if necessary. It will be interesting to see how other operators respond to the new law and whether more companies decide to withdraw their applications for a license in the Netherlands.
