Crypto Gambling in the Netherlands (2025)

Popularity of Dutch Crypto Gambling

Despite the restrictions, interest among Dutch players in crypto gambling continues to grow. Key reasons include:

- Privacy – crypto transactions offer a level of discretion not available with iDEAL or credit cards.
- Frictionless onboarding – some crypto casinos only require an email address, skipping long KYC forms.
- Tax complexity – gambling winnings in the Netherlands are taxed differently depending on the game and operator; crypto, sitting in a grey zone, appeals to -players seeking flexibility.

That said, crypto gambling in the Netherlands remains unregulated. Licensed Dutch casinos (like Holland Casino Online, BetCity, Unibet) are legally bound to accept euros only via iDEAL, credit card or bank transfer – no Bitcoin deposits or withdrawals are allowed.

Now in 2025 you can pay in Dutchcasinos with ideal and paypal as pay option.

Regulation: Why Licensed Dutch Casinos Don’t Accept Crypto

The Remote Gambling Act (KOA), in force since October 2021, regulates all legal online casinos and sportsbooks in the Netherlands. Key rules:

All transactions must be conducted in euros.
Operators must comply with the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act (Wwft).
KSA (the Dutch Gambling Authority) requires full transparency of payment flows.
As a result, no licensed Dutch casino may currently accept cryptocurrencies. Players who wish to gamble with Bitcoin or Ethereum must use offshore casinos – which are not supervised by the KSA and therefore carry risks (fraud, lack of player protection, unclear taxation).

The Dutch Inclination Towards Decentralized Betting:

Cryptocurrency adoption has accelerated in the Netherlands:

In 2019, only ~3% of Dutch citizens owned crypto (~500,000 people).
By 2023, this jumped to 15% (2.1 million people).
Around 6% of the total population actively holds crypto today.
3% of owners have portfolios over €10,000 in value.
Men dominate ownership (76% male vs. 24% female).
Young adults and higher-educated, higher-income groups are more likely to own crypto.
This rising adoption naturally feeds into crypto gambling demand, even if Dutch regulation hasn’t kept pace.

Dutch Attitude: Freedom & Decentralisation

Culturally, the Dutch value freedom and privacy, which aligns well with the decentralized ethos of crypto gambling. For some players, using Bitcoin or Ethereum is less about “avoiding rules” and more about exercising personal discretion in financial transactions.

Taxation & Crypto Gambling

Traditional Dutch online gambling winnings are taxed (with operators responsible for reporting).
Crypto gains fall under a more complex tax regime, depending on whether they are considered capital gains, assets in box 3, or gambling winnings.
For crypto gamblers, this lack of clarity sometimes adds to the appeal: transactions may feel less traceable, though tax obligations remain in force.

(source: crypto-casino.nl)

Portfolio Size and Activity Duration

The size of one’s crypto portfolio in the Netherlands is closely linked to their duration of activity in the market. Those with larger holdings in cryptocurrencies have generally been active for a longer period, suggesting a relationship between market experience and investment success.

Licensing and Regulation in the Netherlands

Starting from 1 April 2021, online gambling operators have the option to apply for a licence in the Netherlands. This move comes as part of the new Distance Gaming Act, which is expected to come into effect on 1 September 2021. This law will pave the way for online casinos to legally operate within Dutch borders, but with a catch.

Conclusion: Crypto Gambling in the Netherlands

Crypto gambling is a global trend, but in the Netherlands it remains restricted. Licensed casinos only accept euros, and crypto deposits or withdrawals are prohibited. Still, many Dutch players are drawn to offshore Bitcoin casinos for reasons of privacy, speed, and the allure of decentralisation.

Whether this changes depends on future regulation. For now, Dutch gamblers who want to play safe should stick to licensed KSA operators – even if that means leaving Bitcoin on the sidelines.