Dutch Gambling Sector Urges Tax Review After Revenue Drop
Dutch gambling operators are requesting a tax review due to a projected revenue decline caused by increased tax rates.Summary
Stakeholders in the Netherlands’ gambling industry are urging the government to reassess its tax policy following projections of a significant decline in tax income for 2025. Representatives from the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (VNLOK) and Nederlandse Loterij jointly warned that recent tax increases are counterproductive, leading to a EUR 43.5 million drop in tax contributions from the sector between 2024 and 2025. This decline is attributed to players shifting to unlicensed platforms, with spending on illegal online gambling exceeding that of licensed operators during the first half of 2025 (EUR 617 million vs EUR 600 million). The Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling regulator, has also reported disappointing financial results from the tax increase. Industry groups also highlight the negative impact on funding for sports and charitable causes, estimating a potential reduction of EUR 12.5-15 million in contributions. They are requesting a formal evaluation of the tax changes by the second quarter of 2026, considering the influence of tax levels on illegal gambling, consumer protection, and public funding.
(Source：Gamblingnews)