Rotterdam court orders Betsson to repay €385K to player

In a landmark ruling, the Rotterdam District Court has ordered online gambling operators BML Group and Corona Limited, subsidiaries of Betsson AB, to repay €385,378 to a Dutch player who lost the funds on their platforms prior to the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands. The court's decision, issued in early April 2025, also mandates the defendants to cover procedural costs amounting to €5,751.

Gambling losses before regulation deemed unlawful

The case centers on a plaintiff from Schiedam who engaged with several online gambling platforms operated by BML Group, including Betsson and Kroon Casino, in 2014. At that time, online gambling was not yet legal in the Netherlands. The court found that since Betsson offered gambling services to Dutch players without a local licence, it was operating unlawfully under Dutch consumer and gambling law. Consequently, any losses incurred by Dutch players on these platforms during the unregulated period can be deemed recoverable.

In its ruling, the Rotterdam District Court highlighted that the agreements between the player and the gambling operators were null and void due to the lack of licensing. As a result, the money lost by the player on these unlicensed websites must be reimbursed in full.

Procedural consequences and immediate enforceability

The court’s judgment carries immediate legal effect. BML Group and Corona Limited must comply within 14 days or risk statutory interest on the unpaid amount. Furthermore, if the companies fail to meet this obligation, the court will impose an additional enforcement fee of €92.

The defendants have yet to comment publicly on the ruling, and it remains unclear whether they intend to appeal the decision. However, the enforceability of the ruling means that unless a stay is granted or the verdict overturned on appeal, they are required to pay.

Betsson's exit and re-entry into the Dutch market

Betsson ceased offering its gambling services to Dutch players in October 2021, the same year the Netherlands officially opened its regulated online gambling market. Despite its longstanding presence in the European gambling scene, Betsson did not initially receive one of the ten operating licences issued under the Dutch Remote Gambling Act (KOA).

However, the company has continued to show interest in the Dutch market. In February 2024, Betsson acquired Holland Gaming Technology Ltd, a local entity with licensing potential, signaling its intent to re-enter the Dutch gambling space under proper regulatory compliance.

To date, Betsson has not obtained a licence directly under its own name. The acquisition of Holland Gaming Technology could pave the way for indirect market access, depending on how Dutch authorities interpret the relationship and assess regulatory compliance.

A broader issue: Illegal gambling remains rampant

While the Rotterdam court ruling is significant, it also reflects a broader issue that Dutch authorities continue to grapple with—namely, the persistence of illegal gambling activities.

The latest fiscal year report (FY24) from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ gambling authority, revealed that while the regulated market grew by 6% and reached a gross gaming result of €1.47 billion, approximately half of all gambling expenditure in the country still flows through unlicensed operators.

This data underscores the enduring appeal and availability of illegal gambling options, despite the Dutch government's robust enforcement and regulatory framework.

Ongoing enforcement by Dutch regulator

The KSA has been active in cracking down on unauthorized operators. In early April 2025, the regulator fined Curaçao-based Techno Offshore Ltd €1.2 million for offering illegal online casino services to Dutch players. This follows a string of enforcement actions targeting offshore and unlicensed entities that continue to bypass Dutch regulations by making their services accessible online.

In a separate report, the KSA outlined its player protection priorities, which include increasing transparency, enhancing affordability checks, and ensuring gambling advertisements remain compliant with national standards.

For the current year, the KSA has pledged to place a special focus on addiction prevention. It has established a dedicated team within the regulator tasked with addressing gambling harm, enforcing player limits, and increasing collaboration with health agencies.

Legal precedent may open the floodgates

The Rotterdam court's ruling could set a significant precedent in Dutch case law. Legal experts suggest that other players who lost money on unlicensed gambling platforms prior to 2021 may now seek restitution, citing similar legal grounds. This could lead to a wave of litigation against offshore operators who failed to comply with Dutch law before the market's official regulation.

The principle established here—that unlicensed operators had no legal basis to offer services to Dutch players and are therefore liable for returned losses—could prove transformative. Legal firms in the Netherlands are reportedly already assessing class action possibilities or mass claims against foreign operators that targeted the Dutch market before 2021.

Industry reaction and implications for operators

The decision has sent ripples across the European online gambling industry. Operators with historical exposure to the Dutch market without proper licensing are reassessing their legal risk. Companies may face claims not only for customer losses but also penalties for offering services illegally, depending on national laws.

Additionally, the ruling reinforces the importance of local licensing regimes. Even in the absence of a formal complaint, offering services in a jurisdiction without proper authorization may later become grounds for legal action.

The case also serves as a stark warning to offshore companies that continue to offer unlicensed gambling in the Netherlands. Despite modern geo-blocking tools and compliance mechanisms, many websites are still accessible to Dutch players, often with translated content, local payment solutions, and Dutch-language customer support—practices that the KSA views as targeting the domestic market.

Conclusion

The Rotterdam court’s decision not only affirms the rights of players harmed by unlicensed gambling but also signals the maturing of Dutch gambling jurisprudence in the post-regulation era. As the KSA steps up its enforcement, and courts demonstrate a willingness to hold foreign operators accountable, the pressure on the grey market intensifies.

Whether this case will inspire similar lawsuits or lead to legislative refinements remains to be seen. However, it is clear that both the courts and regulators in the Netherlands are increasingly committed to protecting players and holding gambling companies to account—especially those who operated outside the bounds of legality.

FAQs

What was the Rotterdam court's ruling about Betsson?
The Rotterdam District Court ordered Betsson subsidiaries BML Group and Corona Limited to repay a Dutch player €385,378 for losses on unlicensed platforms.

Why did the player receive a refund?
The court ruled that the gambling services were offered illegally since the companies lacked a Dutch licence at the time, making the agreement void.

When did online gambling become legal in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands legalized online gambling in October 2021 under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA).

What happens if Betsson does not repay the amount?
If the amount is not repaid within 14 days, statutory interest and a €92 enforcement fee will apply.

Does Betsson currently hold a Dutch licence?
No, Betsson does not hold a Dutch licence but acquired Holland Gaming Technology in 2024 to potentially re-enter the market.

Is this the first case of its kind in the Netherlands?
It is one of the most prominent cases, and legal experts believe it could set a precedent for similar claims.

How much is circulating in illegal gambling in the Netherlands?
According to KSA, about 50% of gambling expenditure still goes to unlicensed operators.

What steps is the KSA taking against illegal operators?
The KSA is imposing fines, increasing enforcement, and enhancing player protection mechanisms, including addiction prevention.

Can other players now sue unlicensed operators?
Yes, this ruling may encourage other affected players to take legal action against operators that offered illegal gambling services before 2021.

How has the gambling industry reacted?
The ruling has raised concerns among international operators about historical legal exposure and compliance risks in regulated markets.