Permit gaming machine and amusement arcade

In the Netherlands, you may require 2 permits (an operating permit and a gaming machine permit) if you want to place gaming machines in your catering establishment. You also require a permit in order to operate an amusement arcade.

Gaming machine permit

There are 2 types of gaming machines: machines on which you play games of chance and machines on which you play games of skill. You must obtain a gaming machine permit from the local municipal authority before placing a game-of-chance machine in a catering establishment. You do not require a gaming machine permit to install a game-of-skill machine.
In granting gaming machine permits, the authorities distinguish between low-threshold and high-threshold catering establishments. High-threshold catering establishments include bars and restaurants. Examples of low-threshold catering establishments are cafeterias, ice cream parlours and kebab shops. The gaming machine permit applies to one particular location or outlet. A separate permit is required for each of the catering establishment’s locations or outlets.

Changes

Interim changes (e.g. in operations) must be reported to the municipal authorities in writing. You may have to apply for a new permit, or have it altered.

Permit for operating gaming machines

You will need a permit for operating gaming machines, if you want to use gaming machines commercially or allow third parties to use them. You can obtain the operating permit from Verispect. The permit is subject to conditions relating to the organisation of your business and the conduct of the applicant, administrator and manager.
As the permit holder, you must annually provide Verispect with the addresses of the catering locations where you installed gaming machines and the total number of gaming machines installed.

Amusement arcade permit

If you want to run an amusement arcade, you will need an amusement arcade permit from your local municipality. The amusement arcade permit consists of a permit to operate gaming machines and a permit to have gaming machines on your premises. Most municipalities set a limit on the number of amusement arcades. Information about requirements as regards establishing the arcade and the maximum number of arcades can be found in the General Municipal Bye-Law (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV).

Online application procedure via Message Box

Using Message Box you can apply online for:

• an amusement arcade permit from Verispect;
• a permit for operating gaming machines from your municipality.