Betting vs. Online Casinos in The Netherlands
3 minutes
Last Updated: March 12, 2025
Sports betting and online gambling are both very popular in the Netherlands. But how do these two popular entertainment activities compare, and which is the better choice for you?
To determine this, you need to consider the differences between the two and choose according to your preferences. To make this process easier, this article will thoroughly compare the dissimilarities, unique features, benefits, and drawbacks of sports betting and playing in online casinos in the Netherlands.
Bet Types
With so many different sports and betting markets, sports betting offers a truly tremendous number of options to bettors. From outright and single bets to betting on even the tinniest aspects of a game, match, or event, there’s certainly no shortage of options for sports bettors in the Netherlands.
Still, while online casino games differ in terms of offered bets, Dutch online casino players can argue that their games offer even more wagering options. From slots with all kinds of unique mini-games and bonus features, to different roulette, blackjack, and baccarat variations, video poker, craps, and more. In this regard, both sports betting and online casinos offer great entertainment value, it only comes down to what you prefer more.
Skill and Knowledge Level
While both sports betting and casino games involve a high level of luck, the latter typically requires less skill and game knowledge. For example, if you stick with the most popular online casino game, slots, you don’t need any skill or previous knowledge. The outcomes are always decided by chance.
On the other hand, whether you’re betting on Eredivisie or any other football competition or sport, for that matter, you need to have a base level of knowledge. You need to research the teams and players and compare their form, lineups, and other factors. Moreover, you need to have a solid grasp of statistics.
Of course, not all casino games require zero previous knowledge and practice. Some involve a certain degree of skill. For instance, if you play a game like blackjack, you will directly affect the outcome with your decision-making and, therefore, need to master basic blackjack strategies to have a chance of winning any money, especially in the long run.
Risks and Rewards
Casino games, especially those entirely based on randomness and chance, are generally more volatile than sports bets. This means that it’s easier to lose more money than you can by selectively placing sports bets.
However, this increased volatility also comes with the potential of winning more rewarding amounts of money. If you’re not placing accumulator bets when sports betting and only sticking to single bets with good odds, your outcomes will be much more predictable, but your wins won’t be very large compared to your base bet.
In contrast, using slots as an example again, these online casino games can often pay dozens or hundreds of times more than what you wagered, depending on what symbols you land. This is even more the case with extreme examples like progressive jackpot slots, which can offer multi-million payments, but can also quickly eat through your bankroll.
Entertainment Value
This is perhaps the most subjective aspect of betting vs. casino differences we’ve discussed so far. There’s no denying that both of these pastimes can be very entertaining and enjoyable. But, depending on your personal preferences, one will certainly be more entertaining than the other.
Online casino games are great if you want to enjoy an engaging casino-like experience from the comfort of your home. They can be particularly immersive and even social if you choose live online casino games, where you can communicate with the dealer and other players using the chat function.
In comparison, sports betting can be very entertaining if you follow a specific team or enjoy a particular sport. Placing a bet on the event you’re watching helps make it more exciting and entertaining. When you add to this the option of live betting as the game unwinds, it can provide for a thrilling and very interactive experience.
With this and the previous differences in mind, hopefully, we’ve helped you decide whether betting or online casinos are the better pick for you. Having said that, no matter which of the two popular Dutch entertainment activities you pick, make sure to always gamble responsibly and only risk the amounts you’re prepared to lose.
