Nederlandse Loteri (Dutch Lottery) has completed the acquisition of Lotify, a Dutch-facing digital platform that supports the organisation of fundraising lotteries and competitions in the country.
Nederlandse Loteri secured an initial majority stake in the platform in 2021. It said the full acquisition would strengthen its position in the charity lottery market within the Netherlands.
Lotify works with sports federations, sports clubs, charities, events and companies across the country. The platform provides a solution for organising lotteries and competitions that meet Dutch reguatory requirements.
Financial details of the acquisition agreement were not disclosed.
Lotify acquisition will support fundraising efforts
Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loteri, welcomed the acquisition. He said that the deal will allow the organisation to help more organisations around the country to raise funds.
“As a fully integrated part of the Dutch Lottery, Lotify can leverage our knowledge, network, and impact even more effectively,” Blok said. “This allows us to support even more sports federations, clubs, and charities, who are especially looking for new ways to raise funds during these times.”
Lotify Founder Guy van Iperen also talked up the deal. He said the “time was right” to hand full control to Nederlandse Loteri, adding that this will strengthen Lotify’s offering.
“After four years of intensive collaboration, the time has come to transfer Lotify to the Dutch Lottery,” van Iperen said. “This is in line with the agreements we made in 2021, when the Dutch Lottery acquired a majority stake.
“I look back with pride on what we have built together and am confident that the platform will continue to grow under this new owner. This way, Lotify can help more organisations generate additional funding.”
Nederlandse Loteri seeks to offset impact of tax hikes
The acquisition comes as Dutch operators prepare for another rise in gambling tax. From 1 January 2026, operators will be taxed at a rate of 37.8% of gross gaming revenue. This will follow an increase to 34.2% that came into effect at the start of 2025.
Nederlandse Loteri is one of several operators to have hit out at the decision, saying it will not only impact their own operations, but also damage the country’s regulated market.
Being state-owned, lottery is somewhat limited across its operations and activities. There was speculation that it could be privitised but such reports were put to bed earlier this year when the government confirmed Nederlandse Loteri, as well as Holland Casino, would remain under its control. However, this did not stop both operators criticising the government over tax rises.
Concerns over the hike were heightened in August when the Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) trade body suggested the higher rate could result in a €200 million tax black hole.
The Ministry of Finance had expected to collect an additional €200 million annually between 2025 and 2028, it said last September when the tax hike was approved.
Nederlandse Loteri has held a majority stake in the Lotify platform since 2021.