Holland Casino’s chief executive has publicly condemned the Dutch government’s escalating gambling tax policy, warning that phased increases in the levy on gross gaming revenue through 2026 could destabilise licensed operators, push players toward unregulated offshore platforms and undermine consumer protection goals.
The chief executive of Holland Casino has sharply criticised the Dutch government’s gambling tax policy. He called recent decisions irresponsible and warned the sector faces serious consequences if the current trajectory continues.
The state-owned operator holds a monopoly on land-based casino gambling in the Netherlands. It has voiced growing frustration over the phased increase in the national gambling tax rate applied to gross gaming revenue, with further increases scheduled through 2026.
We found that industry figures argue the cumulative impact will place unsustainable pressure on licensed operators. According to the CEO, the tax measures were introduced without sufficient consideration of their effects on the regulated market.
The company argues that higher fiscal burdens reduce the capacity of licensed operators to invest in player protection, responsible gambling initiatives and workforce stability. Holland Casino employs thousands of staff across its network of venues and has indicated that cost pressures may force difficult operational decisions.
A central concern is the risk of reduced channelisation. That refers to the proportion of gambling activity that takes place within the legally licensed market rather than on unregulated or offshore platforms. Dutch regulators have identified channelisation as a key objective of the licensing framework introduced in recent years.
Holland Casino’s leadership warned that when licensed operators are forced to raise prices, cut bonuses or reduce marketing because of higher tax costs, players become more likely to turn to unlicensed websites. This undermines the policy goals the government claims to support.
Rather than increasing state revenues, the operator suggests excessive taxation could shrink the regulated market and erode the tax base over time. We think this is a legitimate concern worth watching closely.
The criticism comes amid broader tensions between the Dutch gambling industry and policymakers. Online operators licensed under the Remote Gambling Act, which came into force in 2021, have also raised concerns about the combined effect of tax increases and tightening advertising restrictions. Together, these pressures have prompted questions about whether the Netherlands’ regulatory environment remains commercially viable for licensed operators.
For the Dutch government, the challenge is balancing short-term fiscal objectives with the longer-term goal of maintaining a well-regulated gambling market. If the licensed sector contracts, the state risks lower tax receipts and diminished oversight of gambling activity. That outcome would run counter to the public health and consumer protection rationale behind the country’s regulatory framework.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, resources like the Netherlands’ AGOG helpline and LOKET Kansspel provide free,
Written by Claude
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