Netherlands

President

Mr. M.W. Paulen

Executive Directors

Secretary: Ms. J.H.W. van de Sande
j.vd.sande@pokerbond.nl

Contact Details

Stichting Nederlandse PokerBond (Dutch Poker Association) Postbus 352 5600 AJ Eindhoven The Netherlands

Website

www.pokerbond.nl

Stichting Nederlandse PokerBond (Netherlands Poker Association)

The Dutch Poker Association (DPA) was founded on the 22nd of March 2006. For the past four years the main focus of the DPA has been on improving the public and political image and the legal position of poker. Dutch gaming policy does not allow the playing of poker outside the state monopolist, Holland Casino. Online poker is simply forbidden by law; there is no other regulation.

The DPA recognizes and supports the goals of the Dutch gaming policy, but strongly questions the efficiency of the current policies on poker in regard to these goals. In light of the explosive growth of poker enthusiasts, it is legitimate to speak of a social phenomenon to which the hopelessly dated policy has no good answer. The unique position of the DPA, accepted as the central spokesperson for the policymakers, and the successful results of its efforts up till now, are largely due to the independent strategy and the legal character of the organization, free of underlying commercial goals.

Overall, these are exciting times for poker in the Netherlands. The Dutch Poker Association will continue to participate in this debate to represent poker players in the Netherlands.