Kansspelautoriteit Unveils 2022 Market Scan: A Glimpse into Dutch Gambling Trends

The 2022 Market Scan presents a unique opportunity for Dutch authorities to assess a year's worth of data after the official launch of the KOA online gambling marketplace on October 1, 2021. This marked a significant shift in the gambling sector, with online options providing customers with unprecedented choices.

In 2022, online gambling constituted 31% of the total gross gaming revenue (GGR), while land-based establishments made up the remaining 69%. Notably, land-based gambling faced a 30% decline, signaling changing player preferences. The KSA is optimistic that these establishments may recover to their pre-pandemic levels, attributing the decline in part to the pandemic's aftermath.

Though smaller in scale than traditional casinos, sports betting saw substantial growth, with a 260% increase in GGR, totaling €319 million. Online bookmakers were responsible for 83% of this figure. The 2022 scan indicates that the sports betting sector's market share jumped from 4% in 2021 to nearly 10% in 2022.

The Netherlands' gross gaming result for legal games of chance reached €3.4 billion in 2022, a notable increase from the €2 billion in 2021. This upswing can be attributed to the rise in online gambling, while the reopening of land-based establishments following the pandemic also played a role.

KSA is poised to leverage this data to stay attuned to industry trends and adapt its policies to meet emerging challenges. The Authority maintains an updated regulatory framework, with recent measures including a ban on operators advertising in publicly visible spaces and media. Furthermore, KSA is committed to stringent checks to ensure that operators target audiences aged 24 or older.

KSA's 2022 Market Scan unveils record growth in GGR, yet it also highlights the ever-shifting gambling landscape. This data will be instrumental in shaping regulatory adjustments for 2023 and ensuring that operators adhere to responsible gambling practices. The Authority's vigilance remains a cornerstone in providing Dutch customers with adequate protection as the industry continues to grow sustainably.