TLDR Dutch lawmakers raised concerns about gambling companies re-entering the regulated market through takeovers and complex corporate structures The 888 Holdings case drew attention, operating under a licence held by Godwits LTD (ComeOn Group) while owned by evoke plc State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen said existing rules and the Kansspelautoriteit regulator are sufficient A reliability test and nearly three-year cooling-off period are already in place for licence applicants The government has no plans to introduce new restrictions despite ongoing parliamentary pressure
The Dutch government has decided against introducing new rules to stop gambling companies from re-entering the regulated market through indirect means. This comes despite growing concern from lawmakers who believe operators are finding loopholes in the current system.
Members of parliament have questioned whether companies with a history of unlicensed activity can effectively return to the Dutch market. They point to takeovers and layered corporate structures as potential ways around the rules.
The issue gained traction after several MPs, including Mirjam Bikker, Jimmy Dobbe, Tijs van den Brink and Diederik van Dijk, brought it forward. They asked whether the current framework is strong enough to prevent back-door market entry.
One case that drew political attention involves 888 Holdings. The brand has been active in the Netherlands since mid-2025 but operates under a licence held by Godwits LTD, which is part of ComeOn Group.
At the same time, the 888 brand itself is owned by evoke plc. For some lawmakers, this kind of arrangement raises questions about who actually holds legal responsibility for a platform.
The layered ownership structure makes it harder to determine who is really behind a licence. Multiple entities across different jurisdictions can blur the line between compliance and circumvention.
Government Defends Current Regulatory Framework
State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen responded by pushing back