NOGA is now winding down its activities. The organisation that defended the interests of licensed online gaming operators has seen its members integrated into VNLOK, giving rise to a single industry representative. Here is a look at the issues, reasons and consequences of this historic decision.
An imminent and voluntary merger
In a post on its LinkedIn account, NOGA made its dissolution official. From now on, all content and information relating to the online gaming market will be redirected to the VNLOK website. The merger between the two associations had been planned for several months. The agreement was reached the week before the public announcement.
The merger is based on a convergence of objectives and the need to simplify the way the industry is represented in the face of regulation and market developments.
Why this dissolution?
The online gaming sector in the Netherlands has undergone profound changes since the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) came into force in 2021. On the one hand, VNLOK, created in 2021, mainly represented national operators, while NOGA was dedicated to international and foreign operators wishing to operate on the Dutch market.
Over time, however, the distinctions began to blur, as the two associations shared common objectives: regulation, integrity, player protection, advertising standards and the fight against illegal practices. Against this backdrop, maintaining two representative bodies seemed redundant; a merger was the logical way to join forces.
By bringing together all the legal operators under the VNLOK banner, the Dutch online gaming market is gaining in clarity. Legislators, regulators, the media and players will now have a single point of contact.
What lessons can we learn from this disappearance?
The recent evolution of the Dutch online gaming landscape illustrates a fundamental principle: faced with a demanding regulatory framework and a fragmented market, unity and coordination appear to be the best assets for guaranteeing a stable sector.
The merger of NOGA and VNLOK should make it possible to strengthen dialogue between operators, regulators and public players, clarify responsibilities and promote a safer legal offer for players.
However, many challenges remain – in particular the ongoing fight against illegal gambling, the protection of vulnerable populations and the prevention of abuses. VNLOK inherits a dual mission: to represent the interests of operators, but also to maintain NOGA’s ethical and responsible commitment.
The end of NOGA’s activities marks a turning point in the history of iGaming in the Netherlands. With its decision to merge with VNLOK, the association is opting for consolidation, clarity and unity.