Nederlandse Loterij & Holland Casino Remain State-Controlled

The Dutch government has confirmed that it will not proceed with the privatisation of Nederlandse Loterij or Holland Casino, choosing instead to retain public ownership and prioritize regulatory reform in the online gambling sector. The announcement reflects a broader governmental strategy to increase consumer protection and strengthen oversight of digital gambling platforms.

Online Gambling Reform Prioritized Over Privatisation

A proposal to privatise Nederlandse Loterij was initially debated in the Dutch parliament in November 2024. However, in a recent update delivered to the House of Representatives, State Secretary for Taxation, Tjebbe Van Oostenbruggen, and State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken, clarified that now is not the right time for such a change. The government stated that “privatisation of Nederlandse Loterij is not currently feasible and proportionate,” citing potential legal complexities and concerns about public safety.

The decision to keep the lottery under government control is part of a broader vision that sees no immediate changes to the Dutch lottery market. Instead, attention will shift to overhauling the Dutch online gambling landscape. According to the government, handing Nederlandse Loterij over to a private entity would necessitate major legislative updates that could expose players to higher gambling-related risks—an outcome the administration wants to avoid.

Van Oostenbruggen emphasized that the government’s current goal is to ensure stability in the gambling market. “The government will retain the Nederlandse Loterij as a state-owned company for the time being. Citizens will retain access to a party that is structured differently from commercial gambling providers,” he wrote. He also noted the importance of state accountability in a market that includes potential social harm.

Nederlandse Loterij CEO Responds

Nederlandse Loterij CEO Arjan Blok offered a measured response to the announcement. While he acknowledged the government's stance, Blok reiterated the company’s interest in gaining more autonomy to better compete with international brands. “Nederlandse Loterij wants to be the most responsible gambling provider,” he stated. He argued that structural independence could help the lottery retain its market position while continuing to offer safe gaming options.

Blok was optimistic about the government’s openness to revisiting the ownership structure in the future. “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. He also confirmed the lottery’s commitment to delivering socially responsible games: “Participating is fun, but it should also remain fun.”

Holland Casino to Remain a State Entity Amid Financial Strain

The decision also extends to Holland Casino, the monopoly land-based operator, which will likewise remain under state ownership. The government addressed recent financial pressures caused by tax increases, with the first round of gambling tax hikes implemented in January 2025 and a second planned for January 2026.

In anticipation of financial strain, Holland Casino has already undertaken restructuring initiatives—streamlining its head office, cutting marketing expenditures, altering its gaming offerings and hours, and closing its Zandvoort location. A payment deferral for tax debt accumulated during the pandemic has been negotiated, along with an extended repayment schedule to aid the operator’s cash flow.

Van Oostenbruggen confirmed that discussions with Holland Casino are ongoing. “These discussions are about measures that can promote recovery and options to tackle the challenges,” he noted, underscoring the government's intent to preserve the long-term viability of the casino.

As the Netherlands intensifies its push for stricter oversight of the online gambling sector, both Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino will remain publicly owned, with the state aiming to balance consumer protection, regulatory reform, and financial sustainability.

Source:

Dutch government confirms Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino will not be privatised, igamingbusiness.com, May 14, 2025