Kansspelautoriteit Renews Monopoly License for Lotto B.V. for Five Years
The Kansspelautoriteit grants new exclusive licenses to Lotto B.V. for lotteries, scratch cards, and physical sports betting until December 2031, subject to player protection and potential regulatory changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansspelautoriteit renewed Lotto B.V.'s monopoly licenses for five years for lotteries, instant games, and physical betting.
- New regulatory conditions demand greater player protection and prevention of underage access.
- The pending ruling from the Council of State could alter the current monopoly in the Netherlands.
- In case of Lotto B.V.'s privatization, the Ksa will review the impact on the exclusive license.
The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), the Dutch gaming regulator, has granted Lotto B.V. three monopoly licenses to operate lotteries, instant games, and physical sports betting for five years starting January 2027. This decision ensures the legal continuity of these gaming offerings, as the current licenses expire on December 31, 2026.
Ksa Awards New Licenses to Lotto B.V. Ahead of Expiration Deadline
The Ksa faced a deadline with the expiration of current licenses at the end of 2026. Although it preferred to wait for the ruling from the Afdeling bestuursrechtspraak van de Raad van State regarding the legality of the current monopoly system, the regulator chose to make an early decision to ensure that there would be no gap in the regulated offering.
The continuity of service after December 31, 2026, allows Lotto B.V. to maintain its position as the exclusive operator for:
- Traditional lotteries
- Instant games (scratch cards)
- Physical sports betting
Clarity on the renewal also gives Lotto B.V. advance certainty regarding its ability to continue operating in the period following 2026.
Regulatory Criteria and Conditions for the New Monopoly Licenses
The three monopoly licenses granted impose additional conditions aimed at safeguarding players. Among the added requirements are:
- Specific measures to protect players
- Prevention of participation by minors
- Obligation to notify in advance any change in the ownership structure or control of Lotto B.V.
"The licenses include new requirements focused on protecting players and preventing access by minors," stated the Kansspelautoriteit.
Moreover, the grant has been made directly, justifying the particular position of Lotto B.V. as a state-owned company under governmental control. If the company is privatized during this period, the Ksa will evaluate the impact on the license and the possibility of its continuation or the decision to revoke it as appropriate.
Impact of Pending Judicial Proceedings on the Monopoly System
A case is currently underway before the Afdeling bestuursrechtspraak van de Raad van State, the highest administrative body in the Netherlands, which could determine the legality of the monopoly for these games. If the court decides to open the market, Lotto B.V.'s licenses would remain, but other operators could apply for them. Conversely, if direct awarding is prohibited, the Ksa would need to revoke the licenses granted through this procedure.
The Ksa has indicated that, in the event of revocation as a result of the judicial decision, this would not occur immediately. A period of at least one year is expected from the ruling to allow for a transparent bidding process to be organized.
Implications for Operators and the Regulated Dutch Market
The decision of the Ksa responds to the need for stability in the legal offering of games and the obligation to anticipate possible changes resulting from the litigation. Lotto B.V. thus retains exclusive control of the segment, subject to reinforced obligations for social responsibility and stricter oversight mechanisms.
This monopoly renewal only affects games and betting offered in a physical modality, excluding the online environment which remains regulated under different frameworks. The Ksa and Lotto B.V. case thus serves as a reference for how state monopolies can be subject both to national judicial reviews and new regulatory expectations from Europe regarding market openness and transparency.
For more updates on gaming regulations in the Netherlands and the European environment, check our regulation section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the Kansspelautoriteit renew Lotto B.V.'s monopoly licenses?
The Kansspelautoriteit granted the new monopoly licenses to Lotto B.V. for a period of five years, spanning from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2031.
What additional conditions are included in the new monopoly licenses for Lotto B.V.?
The licenses introduce new requirements to protect players and prevent the participation of minors, as well as a duty to notify any changes in the ownership or control of Lotto B.V.
Could the ruling from the Council of State affect Lotto B.V.'s exclusivity?
Yes, if the Afdeling bestuursrechtspraak van de Raad van State determines that the market must be opened, other applicants could participate or the direct grant to Lotto B.V. could be annulled.
What happens if Lotto B.V. is privatized during the license term?
In case of privatization, the Ksa will analyze whether the new situation allows for the continuation of the monopoly license or if it should be revoked.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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