SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Betsson AB has formally withdrawn its attempt to re-enter the Dutch online gambling market, following the collapse of its €27.5m acquisition of Goldrun Casino.
The Stockholm-listed operator confirmed that regulatory delays by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, forced the termination of the deal, which was announced in February 2024.
Betsson was due to acquire Holland Gaming Technology Ltd and Holland Power Gaming BV, the two subsidiaries behind Goldrun Casino. However, the transaction was contingent on receiving regulatory approval by a set deadline, which passed without a decision.
Betsson will recover €26.7m of the original deal value, incurring a €800,000 termination fee. The company stated the failed deal would not materially impact its consolidated income statement.
This development effectively closes the door on Betsson’s return to the Dutch market, which it exited in 2022 after withdrawing its previous licence applications due to “significant delays” in the approval process. The anticipated revival of its former legacy brands such as Kroon Casino and Oranje Casino is now off the table.
Despite the setback, Betsson said it continues to assess its strategic options in the Netherlands, a market undergoing substantial regulatory and fiscal change. As of January 2025, the Dutch gambling tax increased from 30.5% to 34.2% of gross gaming revenue (GGR), with a further rise to 37.8% scheduled for 2026.
At the close of 2024, both Tombola (owned by Flutter Entertainment) and LiveScore Group exited the KOA market, citing that rising compliance costs and increased tax burdens had rendered the market commercially unviable. These departures have fuelled ongoing concerns about the long-term sustainability of the current regulatory regime.
Meanwhile, regulatory reform is accelerating. The Secretary of State for Legal Protections, Tuen Struycken, is expected to present the Kamer a new bill to replace the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) by the end of 2025. The forthcoming legislation will prioritise the protection of consumers under 24, with proposals including universal player limits, stricter deposit thresholds, and mandatory operator-led account interventions to curb excessive gambling.
The KSA has not disclosed why the approval process for Betsson’s deal was delayed, stating only that the review was incomplete. Nevertheless, Betsson’s branding remained visible on the Goldrun Casino website at the time of writing.
Outside the Netherlands, Betsson is preparing for regulatory headwinds across Eastern Europe and Latin America. The operator continues to consolidate its EuropeBet brand in Georgia and Betsson GR in Greece, while launching a new sportsbook platform in Italy to maintain Q1 growth momentum.
