Circus Gran Casino closes its doors at Maastricht Airport
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8 Jan 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes ‘We’ve reached the end of the line.’
That’s how a spokesperson for Circus Gran Casino described the closure of their branch at Maastricht Aachen Airport. According to the company, the increased gambling tax has made it no longer viable to continue operating.
A heavy blow for staff and guests
The branch at Maastricht Airport is closing with immediate effect. According to Circus Gran Casino, the recent increase in gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8% was the last straw.
‘The costs can no longer be passed on to the guests who come to play with us,’ the company states.
This brings an abrupt end to a location where dozens of people worked and found relaxation every day.
The closure is not unique
Circus is not the only player throwing in the towel. Big names such as Holland Casino (Zandvoort), JVH Gaming (Flash and Flamingo Casino), Hommerson (Gouda) and Fair Play have also had to close physical locations in the past.
The legal offering is shrinking, while the illegal circuit is benefiting. This is a cause for concern for the industry.
Other locations remain open
The closure in Maastricht has no direct consequences for the other branches of Circus Gran Casino. The casinos in Nuland, Leusden and Tiel will remain open.
The branch in Tiel is particularly well known, after being named “Casino of the Year” last year by OneTime, a website that rates physical casinos on various points.
Future in Lelystad uncertain
Earlier this year, Circus Gran Casino finally obtained the coveted licence for a new branch in the Van der Valk Hotel in Lelystad. However, those plans are now in doubt.
It is currently unclear whether the closure of Maastricht Airport will affect the investments in Lelystad.
There are also many changes on the business front
Gran Casino, the parent company behind the physical establishments, sold its remaining shares in the online platform Circus.nl to the Belgian company Gaming 1 at the end of last year.
This marked the definitive departure of the Dutch party from the online branch, which once began as a shared dream between the two companies.