Dutch Court Orders Betsson to Repay Over €500,000 in Player Losses from Pre-Regulation Period

Court Declares Gambling Agreement Invalid

The dispute dates back to 2014, when a player — identified only as “Eric” — began gambling on websites operated by BML Group and Corona Ltd, including Betsson, Kroon Casino, and Oranje Casino. At the time, these platforms were accessible to Dutch residents but operated without a licence, as the Netherlands had not yet regulated online gambling.

In its ruling, the Rotterdam District Court declared the agreements between the player and the operators null and void. It cited the illegality of offering unlicensed gambling services to Dutch consumers prior to the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act in 2021. As a result, the court ordered Betsson to repay the €385,378 deposited by the player.

Additional Interest Increases Total Compensation

The court further ruled that Betsson is liable for statutory interest on the deposited amount, dating back to the original transactions. According to consumer claims firm Dynamiet Nederland, which represented the plaintiff, this adds €144,622 to the total compensation. Including legal costs, the final amount awarded is close to €530,000.

“This ruling confirms that affected gamblers can not only reclaim their losses but are also entitled to interest on those funds. Accumulated annually, this compensation can significantly increase, as demonstrated in this case”, said Deepak Thakoerdien, founder of Dynamiet Nederland, in a comment to Casino Nieuws

Second Ruling Against Betsson in the Netherlands This Year

This is the second time this year that Betsson has been ordered to reimburse a Dutch player. In a separate decision by a court in Noord-Nederland, the operator was told to return €119,634 under similar circumstances.

Betsson has stated that it is reviewing the Rotterdam court’s judgment. The company currently holds no Dutch gambling licence, having withdrawn its application to the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in July 2023. The decision was attributed to delays in the regulatory process.

Betsson’s strategy to re-enter the Dutch market has faced ongoing complications. Although it agreed in February 2023 to acquire Holland Gaming Technology, the company behind the Goldrun Casino brand, the transaction still awaits regulatory clearance from the KSA.