Kindred to block Dutch customers until it receives a licence

The Unibet operator first announced on 30 September – just before the Dutch regulated online market opened – that it would temporarily prevent any Dutch players from using its sites. At the time, it said this was a temporary measure only as it sought legal guidance, and that it expected this guidance to prove it may accept customers from the Netherlands as long as it does not target them with advertising.

The business added at the time that it expected the move will cost the company £12m per month in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) before any potential mitigation actions.

However, it now said that it will block these customers until at least Q2 of 2022, suggesting a total EBITDA hit of more than £72m.

 The operator said it will submit a licence application this quarter, having already taken steps to apply.

“Kindred is prepared for the Dutch licensing process under the Remote Gambling Act, and has been working on the preparations for a Dutch licence application including successful completion of the required external audit,” it said.

The operator was one of many that blocked Dutch customers as the market opened. LeoVegas, Betsson, Entain and Casumo did likewise. 

Only ten operators were granted licences in the first round of approvals, with Bet365, Tombola and Holland Casino among those permitted to launch.