The Dutch government is preparing a significant revision of its gambling policy, with plans to present the updated framework to the House of Representatives by March 2025. Teun Struycken, the Dutch minister for legal protection, revealed this initiative in response to parliamentary questions, highlighting the need for changes in both the online and land-based gambling markets.
Balancing Competition in Gambling Markets
The planned policy update follows concerns raised by MP Michiel van Nispen about the contrasting competitive dynamics in the online and land-based gambling sectors. Van Nispen pointed out that while the Remote Gambling Act has driven strong competition in the online gambling market, it has also created “undesirable financial incentives.”
Conversely, the land-based gambling market remains dominated by Holland Casino, a state-owned monopoly. Van Nispen questioned whether opening this sector to additional licensed operators could improve competition and provide better consumer options.
Struycken acknowledged the outdated nature of the current gambling policy, established in 2011, and stated that the revised framework would address these imbalances. “By March 2025, I will send my vision on the future development and objectives of gambling policy,” he said. “In this, I will include considerations regarding competition in the market.”
Revisiting State Ownership of Holland Casino
Van Nispen also raised questions about the state’s role in owning Holland Casino. Struycken referred to a May 2023 evaluation which concluded that state ownership is “not strictly necessary” for achieving policy goals.
The evaluation recognized that while state ownership facilitates control over measures to combat gambling addiction, protect consumers, and address gambling-related crimes, it also limits market competition. Struycken did not rule out exploring alternative options, stating, “The added value of shareholding is not weighty enough that further exploration of other future options would be ruled out in advance.”
The minister further noted financial challenges for land-based operators due to factors such as the smoking ban, pandemic-related closures, and an impending gambling tax hike. Holland Casino has warned that the tax increase may force branch closures or curtail its online operations. Discussions between the government and Holland Casino on these matters are ongoing, with updates expected by summer 2025.
Clarifying the Distinction Between Online and Land-based Gambling
Another key focus of the revised policy is distinguishing between online and land-based gambling. Van Nispen emphasized the need for clarity in addressing risks and consumer protection measures across these formats.
Struycken affirmed that the new policy will address this distinction, prioritizing consumer safety and addiction prevention. “An important aspect is the risk of addiction or other gambling-related harm that emanates from certain types of games of chance,” he stated.
He further explained that adjustments to the online gambling market would take precedence, with specific proposals outlined in a letter to be presented for debate on March 27, 2025.
Source:
Dutch New Gambling Policy March 2025, igamingbusiness.com, December 17, 2024.