The CEO of Holland Casino has indicated that layoffs are inevitable as the company navigates a tax increase in the Netherlands.
In an interview with *Het Financieele Dagblad*, Petra de Ruiter disclosed that the company anticipates a €30 million reduction in revenue by 2025 following a GGR tax rate rise from 30.5% to 34.2% in January.
Further, in January 2026, the tax will escalate to 37.8%, according to the Netherlands’ conservative coalition government’s budget plans.
This tax increase has already prompted Flutter-owned companies such as Tombola and LiveScore Bet to exit the Dutch market, blaming the financial pressure created by the new rates.
De Ruiter mentioned that only 10% of Holland Casino’s income originates from online operations, but the new tax also affects its broad network of physical locations.
She noted that job reductions will commence, the company plans to cut head office expenses by 20%, and investments will be delayed to accommodate this financial challenge.
The Zandvoort branch is slated to close in February, although management clarified that this decision is not linked to the tax rise.
De Ruiter highlighted significant distinctions between online and land-based operations, hinting that grouping Holland Casino with online companies in the tax hike was inappropriate.
She expressed, “The issue lies in the overlap between online and land-based gambling. Though online contributes only 10% to our revenue, it creates considerable complications.”
“I firmly believe that land-based gaming is fundamentally different from online gaming. Driving to a casino for an evening out attracts a distinct type of clientele and offers a different experience compared to online platforms.”
“I have reiterated these points throughout the discussions concerning the gambling tax increase.”
When questioned about the impact of the tax hike, De Ruiter mentioned it had further disrupted an industry that had reached equilibrium prior to the October 2021 online market regulation.
“The present situation differs greatly from five years ago when the sector enjoyed stability. That is no longer the case,” she commented.
“A consistent and predictable policy is essential for our industry. The sharp rise in gambling tax does not align with this. It seems reckless. We struggle to see how we can offer a secure and appealing service with a 37.8% gambling tax.”
“We must sustain ourselves and that might just be achievable. Any further increases, however, are irresponsible; and I stand by that.”
The initial report titled “Holland Casino CEO confirms job cuts on the table due to Dutch tax hike” originally appeared on [EGR Intel](https://www.egr.global/intel).