Kindred secures Dutch licence

Unibet operator Kindred Group has secured an online gambling licence from the Dutch regulator de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

The licence, which comes into effect from today (8 June) will enable Kindred to offer both commercial online gambling and betting to players in the country’s regulated market.

Kindred said the issuing of the licence follows an extensive application process including the successful completion of relevant audits.

The group added that it will launch its flagship Unibet brand in the Netherlands within the coming days.

“The Netherlands is a large and important European market and one that we look forward to operating in with a local licence,” Kindred chief executive Henrik Tjärnström said.

“We have been advocating local licence schemes for the past decade, and are thrilled that our newly awarded licence in the Netherlands will allow us to deepen and develop our involvement in the Dutch society, as well as actively contribute to a fair and sustainable gambling market.

“As part of our long-term ambitions and strategy, we are eager to provide a safe, secure and entertaining gambling experience for Dutch customers.”

Kindred was previously active in the Netherlands prior to the country opening its regulated online gambling market on 1 October last year.

Upon this launch, Kindred said it would temporarily halt its operations in the Netherlands while it sought clarification from the Dutch authorities regarding its licence application.

Shortly after, Kindred said it would continue to block Dutch players until it receives a licence in the country. At the time, Kindred said it expected the move to cost the company £12m (€14m/$15m) per month in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) before any potential mitigation actions.

Kindred also announced today that it would host a capital markets day on 14 September.

Original Article