The Netherlands’ minister for legal protection, Teun Struycken, has announced that a revised gambling policy is underway. Slated for presentation to the House of Representatives by March 2025, this policy aims to address evolving concerns in both the land-based and online gambling sectors.
The Push for a New Vision
Teun Struycken’s comments came in response to queries from Michiel van Nispen, a House member questioning the adequacy of current regulations. Van Nispen highlighted discrepancies between the flourishing online gambling market and the stagnant land-based segment, which is dominated by the state-owned Holland Casino monopoly.
The minister acknowledged that current laws, anchored in a framework established in 2011, might not align with the realities of today’s gambling landscape. He stated, “By March 2025, I will send my vision on the future development and objectives of gambling policy. This will include considerations regarding competition in the market.”
Should Holland Casino’s Monopoly End?
One contentious point raised by Van Nispen was the role of the state in maintaining its monopoly through Holland Casino. While a 2023 evaluation concluded that state ownership isn’t strictly necessary, Struycken argued that giving up control could have financial and social repercussions.
The government would not only forfeit income from the casino but also its ability to enforce policies aimed at curbing gambling-related harm. Yet, Struycken left the door open for potential reforms, noting, “The added value of shareholding is not weighty enough that further exploration of other future options would be ruled out in advance.”
This isn’t merely a policy discussion. An impending gambling tax increase, set to affect online operators and Holland Casino alike, further complicates the matter. Struycken pointed to a report warning that such measures could lead to significant losses for operators, even forcing Holland Casino to shutter branches or discontinue its online operations.
Online vs. Land-Based: Distinctions in Policy
A key area of focus for Struycken is creating clear distinctions between online and land-based gambling. This stems from concerns about the varying risks associated with each.
Online gambling in the Netherlands has seen rapid growth under the Remote Gambling Act. However, this growth has reportedly created financial incentives that could lead to harm. On the other hand, the land-based market remains relatively controlled, with limited competition and stricter oversight.
Struycken said, “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.”
Adjustments to the online gambling market are a top priority in the upcoming policy. Struycken aims to balance opportunities for growth with measures to mitigate addiction and other gambling-related issues.
What’s Next?
The government is juggling multiple challenges in its bid to revamp gambling laws. Key among them are:
- Balancing Control vs. Competition: Should the state relinquish its monopoly on Holland Casino to encourage competition and innovation?
- Addressing Harm: Striking a balance between promoting responsible gambling and ensuring the financial viability of operators.
- Taxation Policies: Determining how increased taxes will affect the gambling ecosystem and whether they’re sustainable.
Struycken has committed to presenting a letter on 27 March 2025, outlining the government’s vision and proposed changes. This timeline gives stakeholders in both the online and land-based markets ample opportunity to voice their concerns and prepare for potential changes.
