In an era where regulatory pressures and heightened tax rates are reshaping the landscape of online gambling in the Netherlands, the shadow of black-market operators looms large. The Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch Gambling Authority, has observed a troubling trend: unlicensed entities now command over half of the total online Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in the region. This significant shift towards the black market underscores a critical challenge facing the industry.

Set against this backdrop, the upcoming Gaming in Holland Conference, scheduled for Thursday, June 5th, emerges as a beacon for stakeholders seeking to navigate these turbulent waters. This pivotal event promises an array of sessions tailored to dissecting and devising strategies against the proliferation of black-market operations.

Amongst the highlights is Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, who will delve into his company’s legal battles with LalaBet, a Costa Rica-based operator. His insights will shed light on how legitimate businesses are taking a stand against illegal competition.

Adding to this rich tapestry of discussions will be Renske Fikkers from the Netherlands Gambling Authority. As Head of Market Supervision, Fikkers is well-positioned to elaborate on regulatory tactics aimed at curbing illicit gambling activities.

From an analytical perspective, Josh Hodgson of H2 Gambling Capital is set to share valuable forecasts pertaining to the offshore online market’s current magnitude and expected trajectory.

Investigative reporting also plays a crucial role in understanding this issue. Henk Willem Smits from Follow the Money will explore ownership structures and operational tactics employed by notable black-market operators.

On a strategic front, Christian Heins of Tipico will outline methods through which licensed operators can disrupt illegal competitors by leveraging pressure on B2B suppliers.

This conference isn’t just about presentations; it’s an immersive experience that extends beyond traditional boundaries. Attendees can look forward to five practical breakout sessions addressing daily operational challenges:

1. Magno Neiva from Altenar will discuss B2B licensing nuances within the Dutch market.
2. Joris Crone will navigate through bonuses, promotional games, and player protection within regulatory frameworks.
3. Janez Dovžan aims to elevate player engagement sustainably.
4. Brian Forth will unpack platform technology advancements specific to Netherlands.
5. Sander Hoogendoorn shares insights gained from compliance testing in this jurisdiction.

Beyond these enlightening sessions lies networking opportunities like no other – including an iconic boat tour through Amsterdam’s scenic canals and festive drinks at Holland Casino Amsterdam. These gatherings offer invaluable chances to connect with key decision-makers within the regulated Dutch gambling sector.

For those ready to dive into this comprehensive program or eager to secure their spot at this must-attend event, further details are available here: Gaming in Holland Conference Agenda and registration can be completed here: Register for GiH Conference.

This year’s Gaming in Holland Conference stands as not just an event but a crucial pivot point for industry professionals aiming to steer clear of black-market dominance while fostering sustainable growth within regulated parameters.