Last week online gambling software supplier CryptoLogic announced the signing of a contract with Holland Casino, the Dutch land-based casino operator.
The company stated that it has an exclusive three-year contract to provide both poker and casino software for Holland Casino--the Dutch government-licensed casino operator in the Netherlands. The site will be operated by Holland Casino on behalf of the Dutch government and is expected to launch in June 2007. It will be available to residents of the Netherlands only.
"As we take Holland Casino online, we needed a quality partner who could support us with innovation and integrity, and CryptoLogic exceeded our expectations," Ron Goudsmit, Holland Casino's vice president of business development, said. "We're excited to develop and launch our online gaming site, which includes a comprehensive responsible gaming program, with a respected provider who can deliver a unique experience to our customers."
The deal is, however, as stated by CryptoLogic, "subject to certain ratification, including by the Dutch government authorities and the Supervisory Board."
In the corridors of the Dutch Parliament it has been heard that during six weeks of new coalition negotiations, a vacuum has been used by the management of Holland Casino to hammer out the agreement with CryptoLogic.
The partnership faces quite a challenge, however, in that the Dutch Upper Chamber has declared Internet gambling legislation controversial. Furthermore, the deal calls for a commission of experts to "chaperone" the three-year test, and no experts have been appointed yet.
The new Dutch government, made of up the Christian Democratic Party, the Socialists and the new Christian Union (CA), has a special new Ministry of Youth and Families. And it has been a long time since the Minister of Youth and Families has been a member of the CA. She has to prove herself, and will likely try her best to stop the Internet test.
IGN made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Holland Casino for comment.