Bingo: More Than Just an Innocent Game?
Recently, the podcast ‘Bingomaffia’, which exposes stories about criminal activities surrounding bingo games, has received significant media attention. Additionally, national politics has recently addressed the permissibility of alcohol during bingo events. Despite bingo’s mundane image, significant amounts of money are involved in organizing bingo events, and a single game can generate tens of thousands of euros (for the organizer). Therefore, organizing bingo events can be very attractive. However, bingo events are not always permitted in the Netherlands, and the sanctions that the Ksa can impose are substantial.
Sanctions for Illegal Bingo Events
The Ksa uses penalty payments to force violators to cease illegal activities. These penalties can amount to tens of thousands of euros per violation.
For example:
In January 2025, an organizer received a penalty payment of €13,125 per illegal bingo event (maximum €131,250) and €6,562.50 per advertisement (maximum €65,625).
The organizer of Baco’s Zaal Bingo in The Hague risked a total penalty payment of €196,875 for repeatedly organizing illegal bingo events and advertising through social media.
Luxurybingods, a social media account organizing luxury bingo events, received a penalty payment of €19,000 per bingo event (maximum €190,000) and €9,500 per advertisement (maximum €95,000).
Alcohol Law Amendment
According to the Alcohol Act, organizing bingo events in hospitality establishments is prohibited. However, some municipalities do not enforce this ban, resulting in alcohol often being served during bingo events. State Secretary Karremans has submitted a proposal for a legislative amendment to allow small gambling events, such as bingo, with alcohol. This proposal still needs approval from both chambers of parliament, which is expected to happen after summer.
Online Bingo
Applying for an online license to offer bingo in the Netherlands has been possible since the implementation of the Remote Gambling Act (Koa) in October 2021. Operators must apply for a license from the Gaming Authority (Ksa). This process includes submitting a detailed application and meeting strict requirements regarding addiction prevention, reliability testing, and other criteria. This is a demanding and costly exercise.
Currently, only a few legal providers offer bingo on their websites.
Consult a Gaming Law Attorney
Therefore, while organizing a bingo event may seem innocent, it can easily lead to sanctions if the proper rules are not observed.
Requirements for Small Gambling Events (such as Bingo or Wheel of Fortune)
Council of State Ruling
Organizing bingo is permitted within certain rules. It’s acceptable in a private setting or without prizes, such as at company parties or among friends.
If you’re organizing a bingo event at a location with players present and prizes, but not in a private setting, check the following conditions and report your event to the municipality.
The organizer must be a Dutch association that has existed for at least 3 years.
The statutory purpose of the association cannot be organizing gambling events.
The proceeds of the gambling event must go to a previously announced charitable cause.
Game Format
The gambling event must fall under the category of “small gambling event,” such as:
Bingo
Wheel of Fortune
Limited-scale lottery
Game rules must be fair and transparent.
Prizes and Premiums
Maximum €400 per series or set (e.g., per bingo card or wheel round).
Total maximum of €1,550 in prizes per event.
Prizes may be money or goods.
You must register the gambling event with the municipality where it will take place at least 14 days in advance.
You don’t need a license, but the municipality must be informed.
Bingo Outside the Law
I believe there is a gap in the legislation in this area. There is clearly high consumer demand for bingo games. Currently, obtaining a license is either impossible or very limited. Due to this demand, only illegality remains, with all associated risks regarding supervision, reliability, tax revenue, and above all, gambling addiction. Therefore, I call for allowing the legal organization of bingo events and making it possible to obtain a license.
