Companies which illegally target the Dutch online gambling market may still be eligible for a licence when the government opens the sector up to competition, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.

The paper said justice minister Sander Dekker has gone against parliament’s wishes and opened the door to illegal operators.

Online gambling is currently illegal in the Netherlands and the senate is due to finally discuss legislation which will introduce online casinos in the Netherlands after the summer recess.

MPs had wanted to ban companies caught illegally attracting Dutch punters from applying for licences when the legal situation changes. However, there are concerns within the cabinet that popular illegal sites will remain popular once the ban is lifted and this has prompted the minister’s action, the Telegraaf said.