Two Dutch operator trade associations, Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK) and the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), have announced a merger to become a single entity.
The newly formed group will operate under the VNLOK banner, with NOGA ceasing to exist once all current members, including bet365, ComeOn and UniBet, are phased into the merged trade body.
It remains unclear how the merger will impact members of NOGA that no longer have a licence with the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), such as Betsson, LiveScore Bet and Flutter-owned tombola. The names of all three can still be found on the NOGA website.
Long-time members of VNLOK include Holland Casino Online, JACKS.NL and ZEbet.
The lineup of VNLOK’s new board is yet to be confirmed, though it is expected to feature some former NOGA members.
VNLOK was founded four years ago, launching just before the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market went live in October 2021.
Prior to its establishment, then-NOGA chair Peter-Paul de Goeij publicly opposed the idea of a second trade association being formed, describing the prospect as “superfluous”.
Sanna van Doorn, NOGA vice-chair, said: “The board of NOGA is pleased that after a long period of cooperation, we are now entering a next phase as a trade association together with VNLOK.
“We are convinced that we are creating a broad and solid trade association that will continue to make a relevant contribution to a structurally healthy and safe online gambling market in the Netherlands.”
Björn Fuchs, VNLOK chair, added: “On behalf of the board of VNLOK, I would like to express our gratitude for the dialogue and efforts of the board of NOGA, which make this joint next step possible.
“A necessary and logical step, which gives the online gambling industry one clear, united voice towards all relevant stakeholders. We will soon be happy to welcome the NOGA members to VNLOK.”
In other Dutch market news, speculation over a full-scale advertising ban continues to rumble on, weeks after the KSA conceded it looks like an “increasingly realistic option”.
The regulator will tighten its supervision around advertising rules in the coming days, with a new sports sponsorship ban to come into effect on 1 July.
Once in place, operators will not not permitted to sponsor athletes, teams and kits, as well as sports competitions.
Elsewhere, plans for a two-phased tax hike could be in danger following the collapse of the nation’s right-wing coalition government.
Currently, the rate is still expected to rise to 37.8% in January, a move blasted by several industry stakeholders, with Holland Casino CEO Petra de Ruiter blasting the decision as “irresponsible”.
The post Dutch trade bodies VNLOK and NOGA to merge first appeared on EGR Intel.
Development will see Netherlands Online Gambling Association absorbed into VNLOK as its members shift to newly combined group
The post Dutch trade bodies VNLOK and NOGA to merge first appeared on EGR Intel.