Bingo has emerged as one of the most popular games in recent years, as it appeals to a broad audience. It is one of the most appreciated games among women and online casinos and dedicated bingo rooms provide excellent gaming opportunities. Holland is one of the countries where people enjoy the game both in land-based locations and over the Internet, with mobile gaming being very popular. The news that the Dutch regulator will end the temporary lenience towards bingo comes as an unpleasant surprise for them.
The good times are over
Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit made an announcement that is likely to upset bingo fans from this country. The KSA made it clear that the measures granting temporary leniency will conclude this week and the online games will be strictly regulated. Until now, it was possible for online bingo games to be organized without having a valid license. This didn’t apply to other forms of online gambling, such as sports betting, casino games and poker.
One of the reasons why bingo enjoyed preferential treatment is that it is widely considered to be a harmless pastime for casual gamers. It doesn’t pose the risks of addiction that plague other types of gaming, so the regulator found it acceptable to show lenience regarding licensing. The decision to terminate this stance isn’t exactly surprising, since they’ve announced right from the start that this is a temporary action. The goal was to provide people with a fun way to spend the time during the lockdown, so in this regard, the project was a complete success.
What happens next to Dutch online bingo?
Bingo fans shouldn’t be terribly alarmed by this decision, since they will still have plenty of worthy options over the Internet. In fact, many bingo operators like swankybingo.com will benefit from the tighter regulations, since they will have the guarantee of playing at a reliable gambling operator. In 2020, the Remote Gaming Act is scheduled to come into force and this law will regulate the entire gambling market in the Netherlands. This will create a clear and predictable framework for bingo operators to provide their services to local players.
The KSA will now resume its efforts to enforce regulation in full, so July is going to bring about several changes. The regulator is concerned that in the wake of showing lenience towards online bingo, the number of Internet rooms providing these games has increased dramatically. Companies were encouraged to open shop, knowing that they could operate without being bogged down by the strict laws. They’ve enjoyed some good times and the same can be said about the players who signed up for an account.
Unlicensed bingo games are going to endure, but the number of Internet bingo rooms operating without a license is expected to decrease. This will bring the Dutch market in line with what happens in neighboring countries, without depriving bingo fans of the chance to play their favorite game over the Internet.