Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij: the State retains control
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16 May 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes On 14 May 2025, the Dutch government announced that it would not proceed with the privatisation of Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino for the time being. This decision is aimed at maintaining the stability of the gambling market and strengthening player protection.
The possibility of privatising the Nederlandse Loterij was raised during a parliamentary debate in November 2024. However, after an in-depth assessment, the government concluded that privatisation was not “feasible and proportionate” at the present time. It pointed out that major changes in legislation and regulation would be required, which could increase the risks to consumers.
A vision focused on reforming the online market
The government has expressed its intention to focus its efforts on reforming the online gambling market, rather than changing the status of existing public operators. This approach aims to strengthen player protection and combat the risks associated with online gambling.
The State Secretary for Finance, Tjebbe Van Oostenbruggen, said:
“The government wants to take responsibility in a market that clearly also has negative aspects and ensure long-term stability.”
He also indicated that privatisation could be considered in the future, but that this was not the right time for such a change.
Mixed reactions from Nederlandse Loterij
Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, reacted to the government’s announcement by expressing understanding for the decision, while reaffirming the company’s desire to gain independence to better compete in the regulated market. He said:
“Nederlandse Loterij wants to be the most responsible gambling provider. We can be and remain that if we can structurally compete with international competitors on the Dutch market. It is precisely in order to maintain this position that Nederlandse Loterij is in favour of independence.”
Blok also welcomed the government’s commitment to re-evaluate its stake in Nederlandse Loterij in the future, which could pave the way for further privatisation.
Holland Casino also involved
The government also confirmed that it would not privatise Holland Casino, the monopoly land-based gaming operator. This decision comes against a backdrop of rising gaming taxes, which have raised concerns about the company’s profitability. The government is in discussions with Holland Casino to mitigate the impact of these tax increases.
Holland Casino has launched several measures to limit the impact of the tax increase. The company has reorganised its head office to reduce operating costs, while cutting marketing expenditure. It has also adjusted opening hours and reduced the number of games on offer in certain establishments to better adapt to demand. As part of this optimisation drive, the Zandvoort branch has been closed.
These measures are part of a wider internal savings plan designed to strengthen the operator’s profitability and financial stability.
“The focus for Holland Casino must currently be on ensuring the continuity of the organisation. In the committee debate on state participations of 28 November 2024, I indicated that I am in discussions with Holland Casino about the impact of the increase in gambling tax. This increase is putting pressure on the continuity of the company. These discussions are about measures that can promote recovery and options to tackle the challenges,” said Van Oostenbruggen.
Stricter gambling policy in the pipeline
The Dutch government plans to tighten the regulation of online gambling, with the emphasis on player protection. Measures under consideration include raising the minimum age for high-risk games, such as online slots, to 21, as well as tighter restrictions on operator advertising. An updated Gambling Bill is expected by the end of the year.