Rotterdam Court Orders Betsson to Repay €385K

In a precedent-setting case, Betsson has been ordered to refund hundreds of thousands of euros to a Dutch player. The Rotterdam District Court ruled that the player’s losses occurred when Betsson-operated sites were not legally permitted in the Netherlands. This decision underscores the growing pressure on international operators to comply with local licensing laws—or risk financial consequences. With illegal gambling still capturing half the Dutch market, regulators and courts are now drawing a much harder line.

Betsson Ordered to Repay €385K in Landmark Dutch Ruling on Pre-Regulation Gambling Losses

Key Points:

1. Rotterdam District Court ordered Betsson’s BML Group and Corona Limited to repay €385,378 to a Dutch player.
2. The player’s losses occurred in 2014, years before the Netherlands regulated online gambling in 2021.
3. The ruling adds momentum to ongoing enforcement by Dutch regulator KSA against unlicensed operators.

The Rotterdam District Court has issued a decisive judgment against Betsson Group entities BML Group Ltd and Corona Ltd, ordering the companies to repay €385,378 to a customer who gambled on their platforms prior to the legalization of online gaming in the Netherlands.

The case, brought by a resident of Schiedam, concerns activities dating back to 2014, when the player accessed unlicensed platforms such as Betsson, Kroon Casino, and other sites operated by BML Group. At the time, online gambling was not regulated in the Netherlands.

The court ruled that, due to the lack of regulatory framework at the time and the absence of a valid license, the operators were in breach of Dutch law. Therefore, the customer’s losses must be reimbursed in full. Additionally, the companies were ordered to pay €5,751 in procedural costs. If not settled within 14 days, statutory interest and an enforcement penalty of €92 will be applied.

Regulatory Context and Betsson’s Status

Online gambling only became legal in the Netherlands in October 2021, following the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA). That year, the Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, or KSA) awarded licenses to 10 operators. Betsson, however, withdrew from the Dutch market in October 2021 and still does not hold a domestic license.

In February 2024, Betsson acquired Holland Gaming Technology Ltd, signaling its intent to re-enter the market under local regulatory conditions. However, this court ruling may complicate its reputation and future licensing ambitions within the Netherlands.

Despite the historical nature of this particular case, the broader issue of illegal gambling remains a pressing concern. According to KSA’s FY2024 report, an estimated 50% of gambling expenditure in the Netherlands flows through unlicensed channels, despite gross gaming revenue reaching €1.47 billion, up 6% year-over-year.

KSA Intensifies Enforcement

The court decision comes on the heels of increased enforcement activity by the KSA. Earlier this month, the authority levied a €1.2 million fine against Techno Offshore Ltd for operating an unlicensed online casino targeting Dutch players.

In parallel, KSA has emphasized its ongoing efforts in player protection and market integrity. For 2025, the regulator will prioritize addiction prevention, launching a new task force to proactively monitor gambling behavior and provide support through intervention strategies.

Industry Implications

Legal experts suggest this ruling could set a precedent for other players to pursue restitution for losses incurred on unlicensed platforms before the 2021 regulation. Moreover, it signals that Dutch courts are willing to hold operators financially accountable for historical non-compliance—even years after the fact.

The judgment also reinforces the importance of early compliance and transparent operations for any gambling company seeking entry or re-entry into regulated markets.

The Rotterdam court’s ruling against Betsson sends a clear message to the global gambling industry: operating without a license carries long-term legal and financial risks. As the Netherlands continues to refine its regulated market, enforcement—both through the courts and the KSA—is set to intensify. For operators, the takeaway is simple: compliance isn’t optional. As the Dutch market matures, accountability and regulatory alignment will become the new baseline for sustainable success.