The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit – KSA) has revealed plans to create a new category of operating license designed specifically for skill-based gaming machines. The move is intended to streamline the licensing process for businesses that operate only skill machines, without offering traditional games of chance.
New Licensing Option for Skill Machine Operators
At present, only one type of Dutch operating license covers all gaming machines, including those in amusement halls, catering venues, and skill-based devices. The KSA stated that this unified system often places unnecessary administrative burdens on operators whose products depend primarily on player skill rather than luck.
To address this, the regulator will soon make available a limited operating license exclusively for skill machines. The new option follows repeated requests from operators seeking a distinct category that reflects the difference between games of skill and chance. The authority confirmed that applications for this license could be processed faster due to a shorter and more targeted review period.
KSA explained that skill machines are defined as slot machines that “do not award prizes except for extra or longer games” and where “the course of the game depends entirely or almost entirely on the skill of the player.” Classic examples include pinball machines, where players can win additional balls through performance rather than random chance. Any slot machine that does not meet these criteria is automatically categorized as a gambling or chance-based machine.
Shorter Review Procedure Expected
The regulator said more details about the application process will be made available soon. However, interested operators can already submit their requests to the KSA for consideration. The new license is expected to involve a faster approval process than traditional machine licenses, allowing operators to enter the market more efficiently.
In its official communication, the KSA emphasized that this new framework meets an existing demand in the industry. By creating a clearer separation between skill-based and chance-based machines, the authority aims to ensure more appropriate regulatory oversight while reducing bureaucratic delays.
Broader Slot Machine Reforms Under Discussion
The introduction of the new skill machine license comes amid a wider review of slot machine regulations in the Netherlands. Earlier in October, Secretary of State for Legal Protection Arno Rutte announced that his office is examining several research reports on gambling as part of an effort to update outdated policies on land-based slots.
Among these reports is the KSA’s own study on the impact of tax increases and player protection measures. The findings highlighted that many slot-related regulations have remained largely unchanged since the year 2000. Key areas of focus include players’ preferences for using cash during play, public responses to new ID verification requirements, and the general need to modernize supervision of land-based gaming environments.
Continued Enforcement Against Unlicensed Activities
The regulator’s reform efforts build on earlier enforcement actions against unlicensed gaming operators and affiliate websites promoting illegal gambling. In December 2021, the KSA reported that it had investigated more than 20 such websites, finding 15 in breach of the Dutch Gambling Act. The authority warned that penalties and cease-and-desist orders could follow for repeat offenders.
At the same time, the regulator reiterated that both advertising and offering games of chance without a valid license are prohibited under Dutch law. Operators found accepting players from the Netherlands without authorization face financial sanctions, as illustrated by fines issued in 2021 against Tipico and N1 Interactive.
By combining enforcement with progressive licensing initiatives such as the new skill machine permit, the KSA continues to refine its regulatory framework — aiming for a balanced approach that encourages legitimate entertainment while protecting consumers and maintaining market integrity.
Source:
“KSA launches new skill machines license”, igamingbusiness.com, October 21, 2025.
