Dutch Government to Present Updated Gambling Policy in March 2025
The Dutch government is preparing an updated gambling policy, set to be presented to the House of Representatives in March 2025. Teun Struycken, Minister for Legal Protection, has outlined the government’s plans in response to queries about the current state of gambling regulations in the Netherlands.
Addressing Competition in the Gambling Market
Teun Struycken’s announcement follows questions raised by House member Michiel van Nispen. Van Nispen pointed to the contrasting levels of competition in the online and land-based gambling markets. While the Remote Gambling Act has led to increased competition online, the land-based segment remains dominated by Holland Casino, which holds a government-sanctioned monopoly.
Van Nispen questioned whether licensed operators should be allowed to enter the land-based sector to stimulate competition. In response, Struycken acknowledged the need for policy updates, particularly as the current framework was established in 2011.
“By March 2025, I will send my vision on the future development and objectives of gambling policy. In this, I will include considerations regarding competition in the market”, Struycken said.
Holland Casino Monopoly Under Review
Another focus of the discussion was the state’s role in Holland Casino. The government currently owns the operator, but a May 2022 evaluation suggested that state ownership might not be necessary. Struycken admitted that giving up state ownership could have financial and regulatory implications, particularly regarding gambling-related harm.
“The evaluation also established that the added value of shareholding is not weighty enough that further exploration of other future options would be ruled out in advance,” he explained.
Struycken also referenced ongoing discussions about a proposed increase in gambling tax. A recent report warned that this hike could have severe financial implications, forcing Holland Casino to close branches or halt its online operations. The state secretary for taxation is expected to update the House on this matter by summer 2025.
Clear Distinction Between Online and Land-Based Gambling
Another critical element of the upcoming policy will be the differentiation between online and land-based gambling. Struycken emphasized the importance of addressing the specific risks associated with each gambling format.
“I will address the question of where I want to make a further distinction between different games of chance.An important aspect in this is the risk of addiction or other gambling-related harm that emanates from certain types of games of chance”, he added.
Struycken also noted that adjustments to the online gambling market are a priority and will be included in the letter sent to the House for debate on March 27, 2025.
