Summary
- Betsson is set to receive retroactive payments from assets it intended to acquire in the Netherlands.
- This is Betsson's second attempt in two years to re-enter the Dutch iGaming market.
- Betsson attributed the failure of the current deal to regulatory delays.
Betsson has decided not to re-enter the newly re-regulated Dutch gambling market. Instead, the company is winding down its plans, as officially confirmed. A significant factor in this decision is the regulator's delay in deciding whether Betsson could acquire Holland Gaming Technology Ltd and Holland Power Gaming B.V. to facilitate its market re-entry. Betsson had exited the Dutch market before its re-regulation in 2021. In early 2024, the company outlined intentions to acquire these companies and made corresponding payments. However, due to the resulting legal uncertainty, Betsson will now be refunded the payments it made, amounting to €26.7 million to Holland Gaming Technology and €27.5 million to Holland Power Gaming.
Latest attempt just one of several failed tries
Betsson aimed to re-enter a market where it had previously performed well, even though challenging market conditions made it more difficult to operate under new regulations. This was not Betsson's first attempt at re-entering the market. In 2023, the company had to withdraw its application due to regulatory delays and the high expenses involved in the process. Betsson's future in the Netherlands remains uncertain, as its long-sought goal of re-entry is still unmet.
