The growth of Dutch casino platforms that focus on mobile-first gaming

The Dutch gambling market is changing once again, with players increasingly utilizing mobile-optimised site and app offerings. The Dutch regulator has confirmed that, despite the total revenue figures across the industry, including gambling on gaming machines in venues stagnating in 2024, online casino gaming was a substantial contributor to the total, with land-based revenue declining. 

The online accounts and engagement growth highlight a substantial shift. This paper is an investigation of the data to confirm the player attraction of mobile-first offerings. It is also an investigation of the recent changes in market engagement to demonstrate the overall impact on the industry players.

Dutch Players Flock to Mobile-First Casino Platforms

In the Netherlands, smartphones and tablets have become the dominant methods for accessing licensed casino services. Operators have fine-tuned their user interfaces and user features to suit small screens and to allow for on-the-go access. Players can be drawn to immediate incentive offers, such as free spins no deposit. 

These offers allow new players to play bonus games for free, which is attractive for those learning to play their first mobile casino at no cost. Before players even register, sponsored content on social media or mobile apps prompts them to make a selection through filters set to match games, bonus conditions and device, as well as slot sites available on the casino operator's mobile platform.

Last year, the Netherlands Gaming Authority reported that, of the estimated 1.1 billion euros total for the entire gambling market, online casino revenue has been a consistent proportion. Mobile play offers a stable, streamlined revenue shift that is market pressure resilient, even with overall revenue remaining stagnant. 

Mobile First Design motivates licensed operators to enhance the frequency and duration of user sessions, which an increase in active online accounts over 1 million proves, along with dozens of returning players. Mobile-friendly casino operators themselves have reported a strong increase in new accounts.

Industry Reports Show Surge in Smartphone Gaming

According to monitoring reports, online accounts have shown steady growth since the regulation began in 2021. Regulatory reports indicate online accounts increased from approximately 970,000 in 2022 to almost 1.1 million in 2023, an increase of about 13 per cent. Gaming on mobile devices or tablets is preferred by most players since mobile sessions tend to outnumber desktop sessions. 

The younger demographic, particularly adults aged 18 to 23, is primarily responsible for driving this trend, as they represent a significant portion of active accounts in 2023.

Mobile gaming is accessible for longer and more frequent sessions, as players can engage with games during short breaks and commutes, unlike with a laptop. Even with mobile restrictions such as deposit limits and affordability checks, mobile gaming remains strong and central to the player experience. The reliance on mobile gaming is underscored by the estimated €1.15 billion in online gross gaming revenue in the Netherlands in 2025.

Traditional Casinos Feel the Pressure of Mobile Innovation

The land-based segment of the gambling industry has recently been experiencing a drop in revenue despite digital channels' continued success. 

According to regulatory market data from YogoNet, revenue of land-based gambling establishments decreased to approximately €1.3 billion in 2024, representing a decrease of 5.5%. There has been a drop in the number of slot machines as well, indicating a decrease in customer visitation and a drop in the overall performance of these establishments. These results further demonstrate the digital versus physical gambling imbalance, as leisure spending has become significantly more digital.

Some land-based operators are experiencing pressure to adopt digital engagement techniques, such as app-based loyalty services, event notifications, and cross-platform gaming. However, the revenue disparity emphasizes the drastic nature of the market shift from these legacy ecosystems.

How Apps Are Changing the Gambling Scene in the Netherlands

The experience mobile casino apps offer is more than just convenience. Designed to keep users engaged, mobile apps feature optimised interfaces, customised dashboards, efficient loading modules, and available gaming libraries. During 2025, regulations around mobile apps required operators to include tools for responsible gambling, such as spending limits and reminders to take a break.

The objective is to improve the user experience while implementing measures to protect the players. The application allows players to customize their stakes, take breaks, and get some time away from the game, which makes the application ideal for responsible playing. 

The mobile channel assists regulated operators in competing with the unlicensed businesses, enabling them to legalize and protect their market shares as well as improve retention.