The Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has unveiled a new operating license for skill-based gaming machines, such as pinball. According to the regulator’s announcement, the license is designed to help operators that exclusively offer skill machines to enter the market.
The New License Will Make It Easier to Operate Skill Machines
For context, the current gaming machine license in the Netherlands applies to gaming machines ranging from slot machines in gambling halls and hospitality venues to skill machines. This makes it harder for operators that offer only skill machines to secure permit to operate.
On the contrary, the separate permit will make it easier for skill machine operators to get their products greenlit for launch. According to the KSA, the new limited operating license will be quicker to issue and easier to obtain.
The KSA clarified that skill machines are gaming machines where the outcome depends entirely or almost entirely on the skill of the player. However, such machines do not offer rewards, with the exception of extra runs or longer playtime.
The KSA cited pinball machines as an example of skill games as they allow players to win additional balls but do not pay out prizes.
While details were sparse as of the time of the KSA’s announcement, the Dutch regulator promised to reveal more information about the application procedure of the new license in the near future. Operators interested in offering skill games were invited to contact the authority via email.
KSA to Issue COVID Tax Refunds
In other news, the KSA just announced that it will be reimbursing some operators that were taxed during the pandemic despite the fact that they were forced to temporarily shut down their businesses. This came after a Council of State ruling stating that the KSA should not have imposed gambling taxes on operators that involuntarily closed due to the pandemic.
Operators can apply for a refund by November 14, 2025.