🇵🇱 Poland vs 🇳🇱 Netherlands
How does online gambling differ in both countries? And what does it mean for you?
I know that as a Pole you are used to clear rules and structure — and that the Dutch system may seem opaque at first. That's why I've put each topic side by side below: how it works in Poland, how in the Netherlands and what this specifically means for you. So you don't have to gamble on the rules.
Supervisory Authority
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) supervises all online gambling. The KSA issues licenses, checks compliance and can impose fines. Every legal site must have a KSA license and meet strict requirements for player protection, fair play and the prevention of money laundering.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland, online gambling falls under the Ministry of Finance. Regulation is more limited and supervision is less active than in the Netherlands. Many popular international casinos are blocked and there is an official list of blocked illegal sites.
What does this mean for you?
If you live in the Netherlands, you are subject to the rules of the KSA — not the Polish ones. This means stricter protection, but also that you may only play on .nl sites with a KSA license. Always check the Kansspelwijzer on kansspelautoriteit.nl.
Legal online gambling
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
Since the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Koa) came into effect in October 2021, online gambling is legal in the Netherlands. Operators must apply for a KSA license and meet strict conditions. This has led to a regulated market with consumer protection.
🇵🇱 In Poland
Poland has a state monopoly: only Totalizator Sportowy may legally offer online gambling via totalbet.pl. International sites are officially prohibited and are actively blocked by internet providers, although many Poles still play on foreign sites.
What does this mean for you?
The big difference? In the Netherlands, as a player you have a choice of dozens of legal sites with protection. In Poland there is officially only one option. Here you don't have to find workarounds — everything is open and regulated.
Number of legal sites
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands there are currently about 30 licensed online casinos. This number is still growing, as the KSA continuously assesses new applications. All licensees are listed in the official Kansspelwijzer.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland there is officially only one legal operator: totalbet.pl from Totalizator Sportowy. There are no other legal options for online casino games. For sports betting there are slightly more licensed operators.
What does this mean for you?
Much more choice in the Netherlands! You can compare the game offer, payment methods, customer service and payout speed. Check out my overview of recommended casinos.
Registration and verification
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
At a Dutch casino you register with your BSN (Citizen Service Number). Verification goes through iDIN — a system linked to your Dutch bank account that automatically confirms your identity. In addition, there is a KYC check (photo of passport) and automatic CRUKS check.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland you verify yourself with your PESEL number and bank details. The process is similar, but there is no central exclusion register like CRUKS. Verification often goes through a trusted profile at your Polish bank.
What does this mean for you?
The most important difference: you need a BSN, not a PESEL. If you live and work in the Netherlands, you already have one. If not, arrange this for free at an RNI counter (bring your passport). iDIN works the same as the trusted profile you know from Polish banks — quick and easy.
Payment methods
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, iDEAL is the standard payment method in online casinos. Almost everyone uses it — it's direct, safe and linked to your bank account. In addition, Visa, Mastercard and e-wallets are accepted. Revolut with a Dutch IBAN also works perfectly.
🇵🇱 In Poland
Polish players are used to BLIK (mobile payment), Przelewy24 and PayU. These methods do not work in Dutch casinos. This is often the biggest frustration for Poles living here.
What does this mean for you?
BLIK doesn't work directly, but there is a smart workaround: use BLIK to top up your Revolut account and then pay via iDEAL from your Revolut account. This way you combine the convenience of BLIK with the Dutch standard. Revolut is simply the best choice for Poles in the Netherlands.
Gambling tax
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, as a player you pay 0% gambling tax on your winnings. The casino pays gambling tax (37.8% in 2026) on the gross gaming revenue. So you keep 100% of your winnings — provided you play at a legal casino with a KSA license.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland you pay 10% tax on winnings above 2,280 PLN (approx. €530). You must declare this yourself in your tax return. With higher winnings this can really add up.
What does this mean for you?
This is one of the biggest advantages of playing in the Netherlands: you keep everything. No hassle with filing tax returns, no percentage to hand over. Note: this only applies to legal sites. With illegal sites you have to file a tax return yourself and you have no protection whatsoever.
Exclusion register
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
The Netherlands has CRUKS — Central Register Exclusion Gambling. If you register, you will be blocked at all legal casinos, arcades and branches of Holland Casino. Minimum 6 months, maximum lifetime. Every casino checks the register automatically upon registration.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland there is no national exclusion register. Some operators offer individual limits, but there is no central system that blocks you everywhere at the same time.
What does this mean for you?
CRUKS is a strong safety net. If you notice that gambling is becoming a problem, you can register via cruksregister.nl (with DigiD). Honestly, this is one of the best features of the Dutch system — it really protects you.
Bonuses
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, welcome bonuses at online casinos have been banned since 2021. Existing players can receive bonuses, but under strict conditions set by the KSA. This includes maximum wagering requirements, clear terms and a cooling-off period.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland (on totalbet.pl) and on international sites aimed at Poland, welcome bonuses of 100-500% + free spins are common. The conditions are often complex and less transparent.
What does this mean for you?
Don't expect a large welcome bonus like you might be used to. At first this seems like a disadvantage, but the rules protect you against misleading offers. However, the bonuses you receive as an existing player are fairer.
Advertising
🇳🇱 In the Netherlands
Since 2023, untargeted gambling advertising is prohibited in the Netherlands. No TV commercials, no sponsoring of football clubs, no advertising on social media aimed at young people. Advertising aimed at people aged 18-24 is additionally restricted.
🇵🇱 In Poland
In Poland, gambling advertising is poorly regulated. Totalbet.pl may advertise, and via foreign channels many advertisements for international sites reach Polish players — especially online and via social media.
What does this mean for you?
In the Netherlands you will see much fewer gambling advertisements than you are used to. This is deliberate: the government wants to prevent vulnerable groups from being tempted. It does mean that you have to actively search for information yourself — and that's exactly what this site is for.
Summary
Written by
Marek
Founder HolandiaKasyno.com
Updated: March 2026
- Pole in the Netherlands since 2021. I share my own experiences.
- All casinos verified via the official KSA database
- Reviews supplemented with Trustpilot data and community feedback