Hard Rock Casino Secures Dutch Sports Betting Licence

Hard Rock Casino has received regulatory approval to offer online sports betting in the Netherlands, expanding beyond its existing online casino business.

Parent company SpinCore Group announced that the Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), had extended the licence held by iCasino B.V., the legal entity operating the brand. The extension took effect on October 12, 2026. Sports betting will become the operator’s second product vertical once the sportsbook launches. CasinoNieuws.nl

Launch Moves Beyond Original Q3 Target

SpinCore had previously expected its Dutch sportsbook to go live towards the end of the third quarter of 2026. In its first-quarter business update, the group said it had submitted its licence application and made the proposed timetable conditional on regulatory approval and operational readiness. SpinCore Group

That target has passed. Although the licence extension is now effective, SpinCore said further work remained before the product could launch. Its announcement did not provide a replacement launch date.

Hard Rock Casino confirmed to CasinoNieuws.nl in May that Altenar would supply its sportsbook software. The supplier already serves the Dutch market through other operators, including Starcasino. CasinoNieuws.nl

Expansion Follows Growth in Dutch Casino Business

Hard Rock Casino entered the Dutch online gambling market in July 2024, following the award of its initial casino licence that May. The KSA’s original decision authorised iCasino B.V. to offer casino games in which customers play against the licence holder, with a licence period running from May 22, 2024, through May 21, 2029. CasinoNieuws.nl

The sportsbook expansion follows growth in the existing Dutch operation. SpinCore reported first-quarter 2026 gross win of €3.78 million in the Netherlands, up 42.1% from €2.66 million a year earlier. Betting turnover increased from approximately €62.6 million to €84.7 million.

The Dutch business nevertheless remained loss-making on an EBITDA basis. Its quarterly loss narrowed to €450,000 from €570,000, with SpinCore citing platform costs, the Hard Rock Digital brand licence and higher Dutch gaming tax among the factors affecting its cost base. The group also operates the Blitz and SuperGame brands in Belgium.