There had been hopes that the on-line bingo industry access to the Dutch gaming market was coming, however there has been a setback with the Netherlands state council unlikely to give a verdict on the case between Betfair and the Dutch Government.

Due to its gambling monopoly policies, Betfair is being refused a Dutch gambling licence by the government, meaning the matter will not be resolved for another 2 years at least.

Betfair does not actually provide on-line bingo, but this has become a test case for other on-line gambling operators for clues as to when the European market will fully open up.

Dutch gambling policies restrict UK-based on-line bingo halls from operating there putting the country at odds with the EU’s push for free trade between member states.