The gambling tax in the Netherlands may increase to 37.8% following a coalition agreement among four political parties.
According to CasinoNieuws.nl, the agreement’s budgetary appendix indicates that the gambling tax could rise from 30.5% to 37.8% if implemented. This change would generate an additional €202 million (£173.3 million/$219.6 million) annually for the state treasury.
The agreement involves the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB parties. In November, seven parties had already expressed their intention to increase state contributions by €200 million-€400 million through a higher gambling tax. The coalition agreement, titled “Hope, Courage and Pride,” is set to be presented today (16 May).
This tax hike proposal follows the house of representatives’ vote to ban online gambling advertising and “high-risk” gambling, including online slots. The house has already banned targeted advertising, with untargeted advertising prohibited since July 2023. This includes bans on mass advertising via television, radio, and sports sponsorships. Additionally, the house voted to ban online slots due to concerns over players’ lack of control over outcomes. These motions were proposed by Socialist party MP Michiel van Nispen.
Although the bans have passed the house vote, it is up to the Netherlands minister for legal protection, Franc Weerwind, to review and approve these changes. The proposed bans have met with strong opposition from the industry. The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) argues that the bans will push players towards the black market. NOGA’s director, Peter-Paul de Goeij, described the proposed changes as “thoughtless and irresponsible” and expressed concern that the decisions are based on inaccurate data.
NOGA’s director, Peter-Paul de Goeij said:
A majority in the house of representatives is taking an expensive gamble with online players who are now consciously opting for the legal offer. If we soon find that politicians have made the wrong decisions too hastily, the house will be responsible for the negative consequences.