The Netherlands.- The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, recently released its 2025 market scan, offering insights into the Dutch gambling industry’s performance over the past year. According to the report, the gross gambling revenue in the regulated Dutch market held steady at €4.3bn in 2024, matching the previous year’s figures. However, a persistent downturn in the land-based casino sector continues to be a cause for concern.
The land-based gaming sector, which has been struggling since the Covid-19 pandemic, saw its revenue fall by 5.5 percent in 2024, amounting to €1.30bn. Despite these challenges, the sector still makes up about a third of the total Dutch gambling market. The decline was most evident in physical slot machine revenue, which dropped by 5.4 percent to €654.4m. Interestingly, slot machines at Holland Casino venues saw a slight increase of 0.5 percent, reaching €396.1m, indicating some resilience in specific locations.
While the number of gaming arcade machine player positions significantly decreased by 15 percent in 2024 to 20,997, player positions at Holland Casino saw a marginal decline of 0.3 percent to 6,233. In contrast, there was a noteworthy increase in gaming machines at gastronomic venues, soaring by 17.35 percent to 7,992, suggesting a shift in player preferences or venue strategies. However, land-based table games revenue took a hit, dropping by 9.3 percent to €247.6m.
On the other hand, lotteries held their ground as the largest segment within the Dutch gambling market, with revenues increasing by 3 percent to €2.42bn, accounting for 34 percent of all gambling revenue for the year. Eurojackpot continues to drive growth in this segment, though there is a noted decline in lotto revenues. This growth in lotteries underscores their continuing appeal among Dutch players, offering a reliable revenue stream in an otherwise volatile market.
The online gambling sector presented a mixed picture. Online casino gross domestic product experienced a slight decline of 1.1 percent, representing 26 percent of the market. However, online sports betting surged by 17.7 percent to €352.6m, and land-based sports betting revenue experienced an even more significant jump, rising by 27.4 percent to €77.1m. Within these figures, horse racing accounted for €3.9m, indicating a modest but stable presence in the market.
Tax collection from the Dutch gambling sector was significant, reaching €1.03bn in 2024. Taxes from land-based casino activities amounted to €396.1m, showing only a slight decrease from 2023. Meanwhile, online casinos contributed €342m, up by 2.2 percent. Lotteries, online sports betting, and land-based sports betting generated €156.3m, €107.5m, and €23.4m, respectively. Despite these robust figures, the KSA has already signaled that gambling tax collection is trending downward in 2025, a trend attributed to the introduction of new player deposit limits and a rise in gambling tax to 34.2 percent at the start of the year. Another tax increase is scheduled for January 2026, which will push the rate to 37.8 percent of gross gaming revenue.
Amid these changes, industry voices expressed concerns that fluctuating tax rates and evolving regulations could create an uncertain environment for operators. Some argued that higher taxes might dampen consumer spending, potentially stalling growth in an already stressed market. Conversely, others saw these measures as necessary steps to ensure responsible gaming and protect consumers, believing that they would ultimately lead to a more sustainable market in the long run.
The Dutch gambling market’s current landscape is a complex interplay of declining traditional revenue streams and burgeoning digital growth. The shift towards online platforms seems inevitable, as technological advancements and consumer preferences evolve. Yet, the sector must navigate regulatory headwinds and economic challenges, balancing profitability with social responsibility.
Looking forward, the Dutch gambling industry faces a pivotal moment. With further tax hikes on the horizon and a continued shift away from land-based gaming, operators and regulators alike will need to adapt strategically. Whether through diversifying offerings, enhancing digital platforms, or engaging more actively with policy changes, the industry must find innovative ways to sustain and grow in a challenging environment.
