The Dutch government’s recent move to raise gambling taxes has stirred concern within the industry. Set to increase to 34.2% by 2025, and potentially reaching even higher levels by 2026, the tax hike has sparked fears of an exodus of operators from the regulated market. With operators already struggling to maintain profitability, this move could result in more businesses passing their costs on to players or shutting down entirely.
For players, the danger lies in being driven toward unregulated black market options. When legal operators can no longer absorb the increasing tax burden, their services become less competitive, leading players to seek alternatives. This not only diminishes the appeal of legal gambling but also puts consumers at greater risk of fraud, crime, and gambling addiction without the protective measures that regulated operators must adhere to.
Holland Casino, the state-owned operator, has voiced its concern over the increased tax rate, arguing that it may force closures and reduce its ability to compete. As the tax hike progresses through Parliament, industry stakeholders will be watching closely. The question now is whether the government will heed the industry’s warnings or continue down this risky path.
