GAMING1 has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% stake in Betca, securing full ownership of the online gambling operator. 

Betca is the joint venture (JV) between GAMING1 and Netherlands land-based casino chain Gran Casino. 

The JV allowed Gran Casino to offer online gambling services to Dutch players via GAMING1’s Circus brand. 

The agreement has been in place since March 2022, with Betca operating the Circus.nl platform. 

As sole owner of the brand, GAMING1 will look to “streamline governance, accelerate decision-making and align our strategic vision seamlessly” after completing the deal, the value of which was undisclosed. 

A GAMING1 statement said: The Dutch market remains challenging, with recent regulatory and fiscal changes increasing the pressure on licensed operators. These developments make greater integration and efficiency more important than ever.  

“Nevertheless, we remain confident that all stakeholders share the objective of strengthening player protection and ensuring a sustainable legal market. 

“In the meantime, our commitment to Dutch players remains strong. We are heavily investing in technology to ensure that Circus.nl offers not just a top-tier gaming product but also the most entertaining and enjoyable experience in both casino games and sports betting.  

“By focusing on fun, responsibility and innovation, we aim to provide Dutch players with a safe and superior alternative that truly stands out in the market.” 

In January 2025, the Netherlands increased its tax rate for the gambling industry from 30.5% to 34.2% on gross gambling revenue (GGR).  

A further tax hike is set to come into force in January 2026, when the rate will be increased again to 37.8%.  

The tax increase as well as stricter guidelines on players were cited as contributing factors to overall GGR in the Netherlands dropping 16% YoY in H1 2025.

A number of operators have left the Dutch market due to the difficult climate but speaking to EGR last month, GAMING1 CEO Emmanuel Mewissen expressed his desire for the firm to remain.

He said: “If we have to leave, that would be a huge blow because the Netherlands has always been a country with a vision when it comes to regulated markets. I want to trust the Dutch politicians and continue to do so in the future.  

“I think the Netherlands went too far [with its regulation]; the model was really successful when they launched, they channelised 95% of the market, but we can see it’s not efficient anymore because of overregulation.  

“I trust that in the end they will find a way, and as a professional in that industry, I believe that there will be a way.  I don’t want to leave the market. I want to continue to have this on our shoulders and try to cooperate as much as we can with regulators, and I hope that we will be rewarded with rules that allow us to survive.”

The post GAMING1 acquires remaining 50% stake in Netherlands-facing JV Betca first appeared on EGR Intel.