The Dutch Lottery donates 4,8 million euros to the Dutch Football Association to support the growth of amateur football
•
23 Apr 2025 •
Reading time: 4 minutes With a contribution of no less than 4,8 million euros (4 844 775 euros ), the Dutch Lottery supports amateur football so that even more people can find their way to the football field. This donation gives these organizations the opportunity to expand further.
The Dutch Lottery presented their generous contribution before the start of the TOTO cup final between AZ and Go Ahead Eagles, who won the cup.
This impressive amount will be used to achieve great goals to motivate amateur clubs.
Important social impact of amateur organizations
This money will be used for instance to celebrate the launch of the Campaign “The Football Canteen of the Netherlands.” The Dutch Football association and the Dutch Lottery want to emphasize the importance of amateur clubs.
Clubs can register on the website of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) for a chance to win a main prize of 2500 euros or one of the two prizes of 1000 euros. The public will then have the opportunity to vote for their favourite canteen. The award ceremony will take place during the National Football Weekend, which will be organized from the 6th till the 9th of June.
Jan Dirk van der Zee, the director of Amateur Football at the Dutch Football Association accepted the cheque and explained how the money will be spent:
“Just like in previous years, it’s a wonderful amount from the Dutch Lottery. With this, we can further develop the football offering and present the football canteen as a place for togetherness and to connect more visibility. That’s why we are asking for attention together this year for the symbol of our unique football landscape. During the National Football Weekend, we will announce the football canteen of the Netherlands.”
The CEO of the Dutch Lottery emphasizes the importance of the people behind amateur football and believes that they should come first and therefore deserve more recognition. Arjan Blok:
“Over 4,8 million euros for amateur football. For all those unique amateur clubs that bring together more than a million football players and volunteers every week. From the first team to the veterans, from referees to groundskeepers and canteen managers – they make it possible for football all over the country. And the Dutch Lottery also contributes to that. Because to encourage sports and physical activity, we give part of our proceeds each year to sports federations and clubs. We can do this thanks to everyone who participates in our games and therefore supports sports. So: Thank you, players!”
Approximately 40 000 euros higher than last year
The Dutch Lottery is raising around 40 000 euros more than last year when they donated a cheque for 4 805 820 euros to the Dutch Football Association.
The connection between the Lottery and the National Football Association becomes even stronger this way. A portion of the proceeds from games of chance still goes to NOC*NSF, 77 sport federations and around 25 000 sports clubs across the Netherlands.
Concerns about increase in gambling tax
However, there are concerns as well. It was NOC*NSF that last year called for the increase in the gambling tax to be reviewed and reassessed. According to them, the increase in the tax rate will lead to a 24% decrease in the contribution of the Dutch Lottery.
The expected decline will most likely have significant consequences for sports associations and clubs that depend on this financial support. At amateur level, there are often few other major sources of income, but there are many costs in terms of organization. These sports clubs often operate largely on volunteers. The support from the lottery also helps to cover the costs and so that sports can simply remain accessible for everyone.
Increase takes place in phases
Despite these concerns, the increase in the gambling tax was still implemented, but it was decided to implement this increase in phases. Starting with an increase from 30,5% to 34,2% on the first of January 2025. In January 2026 we can expect the further increase, namely to 37,8%.