Dutch parties OK online sports gambling, but with restrictions to block match fixing

The political parties that make up the Dutch government are giving the thumbs to online sports gambling, but with a caveat.

The Netherlands’ is known for having a liberal laws on drugs and prostitution, but the government’s relaxed attitude has yet to be applied to gambling, particularly online gambling. Residents in the country are allowed to bet on sporting events via the state-owned De Lotto, and only on matches that are already in progress.

However, there are signs that the Dutch government is working to keep up with the times.

Last year, the government submitted a legislative proposal that could pave the way for a regulated online sports gambling. The process of passing Remote Gaming Bill has hit some snags in the past months, but officials said they expect it to become law sometime in 2017.