The Dutch government has announced its decision to maintain state control over the country’s national lottery, Nederlandse Loterij, and the land-based casino operator, Holland Casino. This confirmation indicates a strategic focus on reforming online gambling legislation and bolstering player protection efforts across the market, rather than pursuing the privatisation of these state-owned entities at this time.

The possibility of privatising Nederlandse Loterij was initially discussed during a parliamentary committee debate in November 2024. However, in an update published Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the government, through State Secretaries Tjebbe Van Oostenbruggen and Teun Struycken, stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that the privatisation of Nederlandse Loterij is “not currently feasible and proportionate,” and therefore the current state-controlled setup will continue.

Rationale for Not Privatising Nederlandse Loterij

The government’s reasoning for retaining control of Nederlandse Loterij, as reported by iGaming Times from the statement to parliament, is that such a move is not in line with its overall vision on gambling. This vision prioritises leaving the Dutch lottery market largely unchanged while concentrating efforts on evolving the country’s online market. The government also highlighted that privatising the national lottery would necessitate major changes to existing legislation and regulation. Concerns were raised that such changes could potentially expose players to an increased risk of gambling-related harm, a consequence deemed “not desirable,” as the government stated its aim to avoid harming consumers.

State Secretary Van Oostenbruggen’s letter to parliament, as reported by iGaming Times, indicated that while future privatisation is not entirely ruled out as an option, now is not considered the right time for such a large-scale structural change. He stated that any future decision on the state lottery must align with the vision of the department responsible for policy. Van Oostenbruggen affirmed, as reported by iGaming Times, that the government will retain Nederlandse Loterij as a state-owned company, ensuring citizens retain access to a party that is structured differently from commercial gambling providers. He added that the government intends to take responsibility in a market that clearly also has negative aspects and ensure its long-term stability.

Focus on Online Regulatory Reform

The government’s primary strategic focus remains on the reform of online gambling regulations. State Secretary Van Oostenbruggen’s statement referenced State Secretary Teun Struycken’s presentation to parliament in February, as reported by iGaming Times, which outlined plans for reforming online regulations with a bigger emphasis on player protection. This includes recommendations such as increasing the minimum age for “higher-risk” online verticals like slots to 21 and introducing tougher advertising restrictions for operators. An updated gambling act bill reflecting this more restrictive policy approach is anticipated by the end of 2025. The government believes this will lead to additional measures and stricter legislation for both the legal supply and the tackling of the illegal supply in the online market.

Holland Casino and the Impact of Tax Hikes

The state secretary’s letter also addressed the situation of the land-based casino monopoly, Holland Casino, confirming that it too will not be privatised. The letter discussed the impact of recent gambling tax hikes on Holland Casino. Providing context, Holland Casino Chief Executive Petra de Ruiter warned in August 2024, as reported by iGaming Times, that any further tax increases would make it impossible for Holland Casino to operate profitably and deemed a 7.3% rise “irresponsible.” The first iteration of the gambling tax hike came into force in January 2025, with the second expected in January 2026.

State Secretary Van Oostenbruggen’s letter, as reported by iGaming Times, confirmed that the focus for Holland Casino must currently be on ensuring the continuity of the organisation. He stated that in a committee debate on state participations in November 2024, he indicated he was in discussions with Holland Casino about the impact of the tax increase putting pressure on the company’s continuity. These discussions reportedly cover exploring measures that can promote recovery and options to tackle the challenges. Measures that Holland Casino has commenced to protect itself from the tax impact, as reported by iGaming Times, include a reorganisation of the head office, reducing marketing costs, adjusting opening hours and game proposition and range, and closing a branch in Zandvoort, in addition to various other cost savings. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached with the tax authorities for a payment break for the tax debt that Holland Casino built up during the Covid-19 pandemic, along with a longer repayment term for this debt to improve the company’s liquidity position. State Secretary Van Oostenbruggen concluded his remarks on Holland Casino, as reported by iGaming Times, by noting that the operator will need to develop new measures in the coming period in order to remain viable in the long term.

The CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, Arjan Blok, provided a response that was met with mixed reactions. While he stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that he understood the government’s decision, he reiterated that Nederlandse Loterij would prefer independence from the state to better compete with international competitors on the Dutch market. Blok believes independence would allow Nederlandse Loterij to be and remain the most responsible gambling provider. He also welcomed comments from the government that it would re-evaluate its shareholding in Nederlandse Loterij in the future, viewing this as potentially resulting in privatisation at some point. Blok stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that it is “good to see that the government appreciates the important pioneering role of Nederlandse Loterij and underlines the strategy of our company.” He added that with a safe and responsible range of games of chance, Nederlandse Loterij will continue to perform its social tasks, stating, “Because participating is fun, but it should also remain fun.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dutch government’s decision to keep both Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino under state control is driven by a strategic focus on reforming online gambling regulations and enhancing player protection across the market. This approach is being pursued while simultaneously engaging with Holland Casino to address the financial pressures placed on the land-based monopoly by recent tax increases. The current focus remains on controlling the existing state entities and reforming the online space rather than pursuing privatisation at this time.