Withdrawing casino winnings without a KSA license: tax & risks

Withdrawing winnings from a casino without a KSA license is technically possible, but the tax settlement lies entirely with you. With a foreign provider, you must file a tax return yourself with the Tax Authorities if your winnings exceed the threshold of € 449. The gaming tax rate is 37.8% on the gross prize. Check the provider's license, such as Curacao eGaming or Malta Gaming Authority, to ensure payouts.

Tax obligations on winnings from a foreign casino

When withdrawing winnings from a casino without a KSA license, the tax responsibility shifts to the player. Unlike with legal providers, you calculate and pay the gaming tax yourself to the Tax Authorities. This process requires accurate record-keeping, as the government does not apply automatic withholding on foreign payouts and strictly enforces compliance in case of default.

When are you liable for tax?

You are liable for tax if the organization's management is not established in the Netherlands and your winnings exceed € 449. This threshold is important: if you win more than this amount in a calendar month (after deducting your stake), a reporting obligation arises. The Tax Authorities strictly apply this limit to both online and offline foreign games of chance. It makes no difference whether the casino is licensed in Malta or Curaçao. As long as the provider does not hold a Dutch license, the winnings fall under your personal tax responsibility as soon as the € 449 is exceeded.

How do you calculate the gaming tax?

The rate is 37.8% on the gross prize, not on the net profit. This can lead to a negative result with high stakes. The current rate for gaming tax is 37.8%. The Tax Authorities calculate this percentage over the total paid-out amount, without taking into account your previous losses or stakes. With a high stake and a small win, the 37.8% gaming tax owed can completely eat up your actual profit. You therefore pay tax on the gross payout, which represents a significant financial risk for the player.

The process of filing a tax return yourself

With legal providers such as Holland Casino, the tax is automatically withheld. On foreign sites, you fill in the form yourself and pay the Tax Authorities. You must file a return within one month after the payout using the specific gaming tax form. This declaration requires you to transfer the amount due yourself via the payment methods accepted by the Tax Authorities (often iDEAL, but this is separate from the casino transaction). Failure to file this return can result in hefty fines, as the Tax Authorities actively monitor for undeclared income from foreign sources.

Legal frameworks and license validation

Withdrawing winnings from a casino without a KSA license entails specific legal risks, as these providers operate outside the supervision of Dutch law. Players do not fall under the protection of the Gaming Authority and must arrange the tax payments themselves. Although foreign licenses such as those from the Malta Gaming Authority offer some security, rights are limited compared to a legal Dutch provider under the Remote Gambling Act.

The difference with the Remote Gambling Act

Providers without a KSA license operate outside of Dutch legislation, meaning they are not supervised by the Gaming Authority. The Remote Gambling Act imposes strict requirements on legal providers, such as mandatory registration with CRUKS, identity verification, and bonus restrictions. Casinos without this license often target international markets to bypass these restrictions, resulting in a larger selection of games but less player protection. For the player, this means that in the event of conflicts over payouts, the Gaming Authority has no authority to intervene. You are then entirely dependent on the rules of the foreign jurisdiction, which significantly weakens the consumer's position.

Reliability of Curacao and Malta licenses

Licenses from Curacao eGaming and the Malta Gaming Authority offer a certain degree of protection, but they are not equivalent to a Dutch license. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) applies strict EU rules and offers a formal complaints body, which ensures a higher level of consumer protection. Curacao eGaming, on the other hand, is known as a cheaper, less strict license where supervision of payout security and data security is less rigorous. A Curacao eGaming license often lacks an independent dispute resolution committee, whereas MGA licensees are supervised by a recognized authority. Players must be aware that a foreign license does not guarantee the same rights as a KSA license.

How do I check a casino's license?

Check the logo at the bottom of the website and verify the license number in the register of the relevant foreign regulator. A valid Remote Gambling License can often be found in the footer, linked to a clickable registration number. For a Malta Gaming Authority license, you can check the number in the MGA's public register. For Curacao eGaming, this process is less transparent and often requires extra due diligence. If the Gaming Authority's logo is missing, you can be sure that the provider does not fall under the Remote Gambling Act and therefore offers no Dutch protection. Perform this validation before depositing money, as you will have no recourse to the Dutch regulator in case of fraud.

Risks for the player and missing protection

When withdrawing winnings from a casino without a KSA license, the legal protection of the Dutch government is completely lost. Players do not have access to the Central Register for Exclusion from Games of Chance (CRUKS) and cannot rely on the Dutch Disputes Committee in the event of payment conflicts. This means that the responsibility for safe gaming behavior and financial security lies entirely with the individual player, which significantly increases the risk of gambling addiction and financial loss.

No connection to CRUKS

The Central Register for Exclusion from Games of Chance (CRUKS) is a mandatory register for all providers with a Dutch license, designed to protect players with risky gambling behavior. Casinos without a KSA license are not connected to this system, meaning no automatic block occurs for individuals who have excluded themselves. This lack of supervision means that the Gaming Authority has no control over the offering to vulnerable players, which increases the likelihood of problematic gaming behavior.

Without the safety nets of CRUKS, players must monitor their limits entirely on their own. International platforms generally pay less attention to responsible gaming than legal Dutch providers. For help and advice, we refer to the Stichting Speel Verantwoord, which specializes in preventing and treating gambling addiction. The absence of this connection allows players to continue playing without external brakes, even when it becomes harmful to their financial situation.

What to do in case of non-payment?

When a foreign casino refuses a payout, the player is on their own. The Dutch Disputes Committee has no jurisdiction over providers without a KSA license, meaning this route is closed. Players are then dependent on the complaint procedures of the foreign licensor, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, or must consider costly legal action. On platforms without strict regulation, such as some Curaçao casinos, a formal complaints body is often completely absent.

A common mistake is attempting to reverse the transaction via a bank chargeback. This action is viewed by casinos as fraud and almost always leads to the immediate blocking of the account and confiscation of the balance. In addition, foreign casinos strictly apply the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft), which can result in extensive KYC checks that delay payouts. Without the intervention of the Gaming Authority, there is no body that can force the casino to pay out.

Lack of mandatory play limits

For legal providers, deposit limits and cool-down periods are legally required to prevent gambling addiction. At casinos without a license, this oversight from the Stichting Speel Verantwoord and the Gaming Authority is completely absent. Players can deposit unlimited amounts without the system intervening in case of abnormal behavior. This freedom sounds appealing, but it significantly increases the risk of impulsive gaming behavior and financial damage.

Less supervision offers more playing room, but also carries more risk. Without the mandatory connection to CRUKS and the absence of hard limits, control lies entirely with the player. We advise you to remain critical of your own gaming behavior and to seek help from the Stichting Speel Verantwoord if gambling becomes an obsession.

Payment methods and practical payouts

When withdrawing winnings from a casino without a KSA license, players often run into restrictions with traditional Dutch banking services. Because iDEAL transactions to unlicensed providers are blocked, gamblers turn to alternatives such as crypto and e-wallets. These methods bypass the direct link with the Dutch banking system, enabling faster processing, but leaving the player solely responsible for tax settlement and exchange rate risks.

Why iDEAL is often unavailable

Dutch banks work closely with regulators to block transactions to illegal gambling providers. iDEAL, the standard payment method in the Netherlands, requires a direct connection to a licensed entity. At a casino without a license, this permit is lacking, prompting financial institutions to preventatively stop the flow of money. This means players cannot use their trusted banking environment for deposits or withdrawals. The absence of iDEAL is therefore not a technical choice by the casino, but a legal necessity for the Dutch banking sector to ensure compliance with the Gambling Act. Without this protective layer, the player also misses the security of segregated accounts, which are mandatory for Ksa-licensed casinos.

The role of crypto and e-wallets

To bypass payment blocks, casinos without a Dutch license often offer crypto and e-wallets. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are popular because they are decentralized and less strictly monitored by Dutch financial institutions. In addition, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are common alternatives. These services act as an intermediary: the player deposits money into the e-wallet and uses this balance at the casino, which seemingly breaks the direct link with the Dutch bank account.

Although Skrill and Neteller facilitate fast transactions, the player must be aware of the risk. The Dutch government views these methods as risky because they are harder for regulators to trace. For the player, this means that while access is easier, protection in the event of fraud or casino bankruptcy is minimal. Check if the casino is affiliated with an external dispute resolution committee, as the Ksa has no authority.

Speed and costs of payouts

Payouts via crypto can be significantly faster than traditional bank transfers, sometimes taking just a few minutes. However, this speed brings specific financial risks. The value of Bitcoin can fluctuate between the moment of payout and the conversion to euros. These exchange rate risks can affect the net profit, which also has consequences for the gaming tax declaration.

Additionally, network fees associated with crypto transactions can lower the payout. With e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, transaction fees or currency exchange fees may also apply. Players must factor in these costs when calculating their actual winnings. Do not forget that responsible gaming is also crucial with these methods. Set budget limits in advance to prevent impulsive behavior, especially since there are no mandatory limits with these providers.

About this article - Editorial standards

• Content created by: Sarah Weber Bonus analyst & casino tester

• Approved by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann Senior iGaming compliance analyst

• Indexing & recency: Updated on 16.07.2026

This article about "withdrawing winnings from a casino without a KSA license" was written by Sarah Weber and fact-checked by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content in response to changes in regulations, licenses, and bonus terms. All references to licenses, regulators, and laws link to public sources (the local regulator for gambling, the applicable local gambling legislation).

About the author

8+ years of experience reviewing casinos, 200+ personally tested platforms within the EU and worldwide. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, payout processes, and customer service evaluation.

About the reviewer

More than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensees in multiple regulated markets. PhD in economic mathematics. Focus areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, and player protection systems.

Responsible gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel like you are losing control of your play, please contact the relevant gambling helpline or use the national self-exclusion register (the relevant national self-exclusion register). Set personal deposit and loss limits BEFORE playing with real money. Pauses and cool-off tools from the provider are there to keep gaming manageable.

Legal notice

De informatie in dit artikel is uitsluitend bedoeld voor redactionele en vergelijkende doeleinden en vormt geen juridisch advies. Spelers zijn zelf verantwoordelijk voor het naleven van de lokale regelgeving.