Dutch govt drops plan to privatise Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij
The Dutch government has concluded that it will not proceed with plans to privatise the state-owned gambling operators Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij, opting instead to maintain public ownership amid ongoing reforms in the broader gambling sector, as per local media reports.
The decision, announced in a parliamentary update by state tax secretary Tjebbe van Oostenbruggen and state secretary for legal protection Teun Struycken on 15 May 2025, signalled a clear priority shift towards tightening online gambling rules rather than restructuring the country’s land-based and lottery operations.
Option not feasible, says govt
During a parliamentary committee debate in November 2024, the topic of privatisation was discussed. However, the officials are determined that pursuing this option would neither be feasible nor proportionate given the current circumstances. Authorities also noted that privatisation would necessitate substantial legislative changes and could increase the risk of gambling-related harm.
“Citizens will retain access to a party that is structured differently from commercial gambling providers,” Van Oostenbruggen explained. “In doing so, the government seeks to take responsibility in a market that clearly has negative aspects and to ensure long-term stability.”
For the unaware, both Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij are among the most recognisable names in Dutch entertainment. Holland Casino, established in the 1970s, operates 14 venues across the country and is the sole provider of legal land-based casino games in the Netherlands.
Nederlandse Loterij, formed through a merger of several lottery brands in 2016, runs popular games such as Staatsloterij, Lotto, and Toto. It channels a significant into Dutch sports, charities, and public health initiatives.
The decision to retain public control is likely to be welcomed by the Dutch public, who have long viewed the state-run lottery as a socially responsible alternative to more aggressive commercial operators.
Lotteries welcome move
In initial reactions, Nederlandse Loterij CEO Arjan Blok respected the government’s position but would still prefer more independence to compete fairly in a growing and increasingly internationalised gambling market. “We want to be the most responsible gambling provider,” he said. “But to stay that way, we must compete structurally with international players.”
Van Oostenbruggen acknowledged that Holland Casino was facing financial strains as a result of recent tax increases and losses. However, he also affirmed that the government is collaborating closely with the operator to ensure its sustainability in the long run.
The previously declared plans for more stringent online gambling laws, like raising the age limit for online slots to 21 and requiring financial checks on player deposits, are still very much on the table. The government has hinted at a more stringent approach in the future, with the goal of lowering the risks associated with both legal and illicit gambling.
