Holland Casino Urged to Comply with Advertising Rules Amid Tax Increase
The Dutch state-controlled casino operator, Holland Casino, has been reminded by Secretary of State for Tax Affairs, Folkert Idsinga, that it must adhere to gambling advertising regulations. This comes after Holland Casino’s CEO, Petra de Ruiter, warned of aggressive marketing campaigns if the government raised gambling taxes.
Clarification on Advertising Strategy
Idsinga informed parliament that the Ministry of Finance had contacted Holland Casino to ensure that the operator would not breach advertising regulations.
Holland Casino reassured the ministry that it does not plan to “significantly increase its marketing expenditure” in response to the tax hike. Idsinga made it clear:
“It has never been Holland Casino’s intention to attract more customers with aggressive marketing campaigns. As a state-owned company, I expect Holland Casino to comply with laws and regulations and set an example for the gambling sector. This is essential for Holland Casino’s operations.”
Government Committed to Gambling Reform
In addition to addressing concerns about advertising, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed support for the coalition government’s plans to reform gambling laws and reduce high-risk gambling.
Speaking after the confirmation of the gambling tax increase in the government’s budget, Schoof reiterated the government’s responsibility to discourage excessive gambling.
He outlined the aims of the reforms: to protect consumers, prevent addiction, and combat fraud.
Schoof explained that the decision to implement the tax rise in two phases was driven by concerns over the potential impact on sports funding.
“One of the reasons for delaying this was the strong opposition from the sports sector,” he said.
“We recognize the concerns from sporting bodies, but we’re committed to making gambling less attractive while ensuring sports funding remains intact.”
Upcoming Reforms and Regulatory Changes
On October 10, Secretary of State for Legal Protections, Teun Struycken, is set to present a proposal on new gambling reforms to the Dutch parliament.
A decision is expected later in the year after consultations and a review of the gambling market.
Struycken has hinted that the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), may receive additional powers to tackle unlicensed operators.
He made this suggestion following concerns raised by Christian Union MP Mirjam Bikker regarding the advertising of unlicensed gambling sites.
Bikker has proposed that the KSA should be able to instruct internet service providers to block access to such sites, ensuring stricter enforcement of gambling laws in the Netherlands.
