Dutch state-owned casino monopoly Holland Casino was expected to have been privatised by 2020, but surprise political opposition in early 2019 forced the process to a halt, with no clear roadmap on when the government will relaunch its share sale plans.
A bill to add new casino licenses and allow for Holland Casino to sold by the government was due to be voted on alongside a historic piece of legislation to allow for online gambling licensing.
Although the online bill passed, with the market due to open in Summer 2021, the government withdrew the privatisation bill before it could be voted on, in expectation of defeat. The bill has yet to be tabled in parliament again.
There are currently a total of 14 casinos in the Netherlands, of which ten were due to be sold in one block and others in "packages". Two more licenses were to be created by the legislation.
From January 2018, casinos in the Netherlands are liable for a temporary 30.1 percent tax rate on gross gambling revenue. The rate rose from 29 percent to offset delays to the implementation of the Online Gambling Act.
The levy is expected to fall back to 29 percent six months after the online licensing law comes into effect in January 2021.
Holland Casino’s revenue has grown steadily since the end of the economic crisis in 2013, totalling €657m in 2018.
Although legislation to sell-off and increase the number of casinos has stalled, Holland Casino has taken steps to rationalise its operations over the past few years.
In 2017 Holland Casino closed its venue in Schiphol-airport and opened a new casino in Amsterdam, its second in the capita, in June, 2018.
In August, 2017 Holland Casino lost one property in Groningen due to fire, which was replaced in December, 2018 by a temporary "premium pop-up casino".
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2017 | 2708 |
| 2016 | 2519 |
| 2015 | 2360 |
| 2014 | 2308 |
| 2013 | 2621 |
The casino sector in the Netherlands is monopolised and state-owned.
In 2013, legal regulations requiring casino staff to be trained in player protection were introduced.
Consequently, Holland Casino, the single casino licensee, operates an intensive responsible gambling policy as part of its social responsibility measures.
The policy aims to protect players in the country’s 14 casinos by training staff to recognise problematic behaviour, informing players of the risks gambling presents and providing active intervention procedures and referral to addiction prevention agencies for problem gamblers.
All staff are trained by experts from gambling addiction agencies.
Additionally, Holland Casino has a strict responsible gambling policy for players aged between 18 and 23 due to their elevated risk of addiction.
A self-exclusion programme is in place for casinos and the Gaming Authority keeps a register of players who have self-excluded.
Wagers on gaming machines in casinos are limited to €50 under Holland Casino’s regulations.
Players must be at least 18 years of age to gamble in the Netherlands.
The Stichting Anonieme Gokkers Omgeving Gokkers (Anonymous Gamblers and Social Environment of Gamblers) is an institution that deals with gambling addiction in various towns across the Netherlands.
In 2015, the slogan “Speel Bewust” (play responsibly) was adopted by licensed gaming and betting companies in order to raise consumers’ awareness of the potential risks that gambling presents.
The Human Assitance Network for Daily Support (HANDS) operates a 24-hour helpline for players experiencing gambling-related issues.
Legal Gambling Age: 18 Years Old
Smoking Ban:Yes. However, smoking-permitted rooms are allowed.
Terrestrial:Monopoly, state-owned.
Online: Unregulated
Terrestrial:In 2015 Holland Casino offered the following table games: American Roulette, Black Jack, Punto Banco, Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Multi Poker, Money Wheel, Poker (Omaha and Texas Hold’em), Dice Ball.
Terrestrial:Dutch Gaming Authority
Market Protection Measures / Tools to Tackle Illegal Gambling:Website blocking is not permitted in the Netherlands. However, payment blocking is authorised and advertising restrictions for unlicensed operators are in place.
| 2017 | 5840 |
| 2014 | 5465 |
| 2016 | 5931 |
| 2015 | 5832 |
| 2013 | 5403 |
| 2017 | 610 |
| 2016 | 581 million |
| 2015 | 548 million |
| 2014 | 495 million |
| 2013 | 476 million |
Currency : Euro
Population: 16,936,520
(Source:The World Bank)
GNI (2014, Local Currency, Millions): 656,833
(Source: Eurostat)
Internet Penetration (Internet Users): 93.2%
(Source: The World Bank)
Mobile Penetration (Mobile Cellular Subscriptions): 116%
(Source: The World Bank)
Doing Business Ranking (June 2015):28
(Source: World Bank Group)
Last Updated: May 2019
