Ice skating in danger: Lottery sponsoring halved due to tax increase!
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2 Jun 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Possible increase in Gambling Tax (and other Measures) in the Netherlands faces criticism from sports sector.
In the recently concluded principal agreement reached by the four forming parties in the Netherlands, it is noted that sports and physical activity should take center stage. However, the increase in gambling tax and other measures are in direct opposition to this. This has led to resistance in the sports sector.
“It means, for instance, that the sponsoring contributions from the Dutch Lottery will be significantly reduced. This will greatly impact both grassroots and elite sports for all federations, including skating. We cannot and must not let this happen. We must do everything we can to reverse this ‘false start’.”
“This also applies to the increase in VAT on tickets for sporting events. We want to offer skating fans at Thialf and other ice rinks a live experience. But it will become much more expensive to attend top sports events.”
Herman de Haan, Director of the KNSB (Royal Dutch Skating Federation)
Increase in Gambling Tax by 7.3%
From the analysis of the measures that NOC*NSF wants to implement, it appears that mainly the increase in gambling tax by 7.3% will cause the income for organized sports to drop drastically, by over 12 million euros per year. This puts the financial basis for many skating clubs at risk.
Looking back at the situation in 2023, the Dutch Lottery distributed a total of 52 million euros to the sports federations. Due to this new situation, it would be ‘only’ 39.5 million euros.
Slap in the face for smaller sport organizations
“Now that we are all just getting back on our feet after the drastic corona period – also for skating – this really feels like a slap in the face. We desperately need the contribution from the Dutch lottery to help our skating and skating clubs to get and keep young people involved in sports. But top sport also has to make significant concessions. This will ultimately cost us medals.”
Herman de Haan
VAT Increase on Tickets for Sporting Events from 9 to 21%
According to de Haan, this measure, along with other measures, really threatens the quality and affordability of sports in the Netherlands. Skating is, according to him, a sport that the whole family can enjoy. It would be a shame if the VAT increase on tickets caused such family outings to fall
through because they would become almost unaffordable. Socially, he says, this would be irresponsible.
“A half-filled Thialf detracts from the Oranje magic that athletes and fans often experience there.”
Herman de Haan
Importance of (Elite) Sports in Society Should Not Be Underestimated
Herman de Haan, on behalf of the KNSB and all its clubs and numerous skating and inline skating enthusiasts, calls on the government to retract such measures before the sport and its fans are affected. The importance of (elite) sports is enormous in society.
“Sport is crucial for the physical and mental health of every Dutch person and also makes an important contribution to social cohesion and crime prevention in neighborhoods, through the clubs. Besides, we are all proud of the achievements of our Oranje top athletes in TeamNL! This too will be jeopardized if the new cabinet implements these plans.”
Herman de Haan
We also refer to the response from NOC*NSF Director Marc van den Tweel on NOS.