Dutch government maintains possession of Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino
The Dutch government has announced that it will not privatize the Dutch Lottery and Holland Casino, citing legal hurdles and the need to maintain consumer protection.
According to State Secretary for Finance, Tjebbe van Oostenbruggen, the decision not to privatize is due to it being currently not feasible and disproportionate. He also emphasizes that as a state-owned company, growth and innovation are possible for these entities.
Holland Casino, in particular, is struggling with the tax burden, the aftermath of the pandemic, and rising operating costs. To secure its long-term existence, a comprehensive package of measures is being prepared, including cuts in marketing, shorter opening hours, changes in the game offering, and the closure of the branch in Zandvoort.
The gambling tax for Holland Casino has increased from 29.0% to 30.5% at the beginning of 2024, with a further increase to 37.8% planned for January 1, 2026. These tax adjustments, the government explains, are a means to stabilize public finances and promote responsible gambling. However, providers such as Holland Casino criticize the measures as existential.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Lottery, led by CEO Arjan Blok, understands the decision and hopes for future independence. Blok values positively that the government acknowledges the strategic role of the lottery and is considering a future review of the state's engagement. He emphasizes the goal of future independence for the Dutch Lottery and reiterates its commitment to being the most responsible gambling provider.
In addition to the focus on the traditional market, the government is also planning to regulate the online market more stringently. Plans include raising the minimum age for online slots to 21, implementing stricter advertising restrictions, and conducting financial suitability checks for increased deposit limits.
The state's involvement in the gambling market ensures that citizens will have access to a provider that structurally differs from commercial gambling companies. An agreement has also been reached with the tax authorities for a longer repayment period for taxes accumulated during the pandemic to improve the liquidity of affected companies.
The reasons for the suspension of the proposal to privatize the Dutch Lotto and Holland Casino are not yet clear, as no government official has been identified as the one who made the decision. However, the focus remains on maintaining a responsible and sustainable gambling market for the Dutch population.
