The Dutch government will retain ownership of Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino, ending privatization talks to prioritize consumer protection and reform. After months of speculation, the decision was announced by State Secretary for Taxation Tjebbe Van Oostenbruggen and State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken in a formal communication to the House of Representatives. Officials
The Dutch government will retain ownership of Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino, ending privatization talks to prioritize consumer protection and reform.
After months of speculation, the decision was announced by State Secretary for Taxation Tjebbe Van Oostenbruggen and State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken in a formal communication to the House of Representatives.
Officials emphasized that privatization would require complex legislative changes that risk weakening consumer protection. The government flagged concerns that altering the current ownership structure could lead to increased gambling-related harm, an outcome it described as unacceptable.
Van Oostenbruggen, State Secretary for Taxation Tjebbe, issued an official statement:
“The government will retain the Nederlandse Loterij as a state-owned company for the time being. Citizens will retain access to a party that is structured differently from commercial gambling providers. In doing so, the government also wants to take responsibility in a market that clearly also has negative aspects and ensure long-term stability.”
The announcement follows a broader push to improve gambling regulations, especially online betting. The plan includes updating current laws with stricter precautions, raising the legal gambling age to 21, and forcing tougher advertising rules. The updated legislation is to be presented before the end of 2025.
Nederlandse Loterij CEO Arjan Blok responded to the announcement by expressing support for the government’s decision:
“Nederlandse Loterij wants to be the most responsible gambling provider. We can be and remain that if we can structurally compete with international competitors on the Dutch market. With a safe and responsible range of games of chance, Nederlandse Loterij will continue to perform its social tasks.”
In parallel, the government confirmed it would also retain ownership of Holland Casino, which has been facing financial challenges following a 7.3% gambling tax increase earlier this year. A second tax hike is scheduled for January 2026.
Van Oostenbruggen noted that the immediate priority is to stabilize Holland Casino’s operations. The company is in discussions with the government to explore recovery strategies, including cost-cutting measures and tax relief.
Van Oostenbruggen stated:
“Holland Casino will have to develop new measures in the coming period in order to remain viable in the long term.”
In response to tax pressure, Holland Casino has already restructured its headquarters, reduced marketing expenses, adjusted opening hours, and closed its Zandvoort branch. It has also reached an agreement with Dutch tax authorities for an extended repayment plan on COVID-era tax debts.