The CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, Arjan Blok, has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of a proposed increase in the gambling tax in the Netherlands.
The tax rate, which was raised from 30.5% to 34.2% on 1 January 2025, is set to increase further to 37.8% in January 2026. Blok argues that this “umpteenth increase” will drive players towards the illegal market, undermining the country’s channelisation efforts.
Arjan Blok explained that the high tax rate in the Netherlands makes the legal and responsible gambling offerings less attractive to consumers.
The umpteenth increase in the gambling tax drives players to the illegal market. Due to the high gambling tax in the Netherlands, our responsible offer is becoming less attractive. Players look for a more financially interesting, illegal alternative, where they play without any protection.
He further elaborated on how the tax hike will negatively impact the contributions made to Dutch sports and charities. In 2024, Nederlandse Loterij donated €203.6 million to 18 charities involved in sports, health, and well-being.
“Moreover, more tax means less structural financial support for Dutch sports and charities, to which the proceeds of the Dutch Lottery go,” Blok added.
His concerns are supported by recent data from the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), which has shown that the previous tax increase has already led to lower-than-expected revenue and a decrease in channelisation rates.
The Budget Memorandum has also revealed that despite the tax increases, revenue from gambling tax is projected to decrease by €263 million.
“Now that the Budget Memorandum also shows that the revenue from the gambling tax, despite increases, will decrease by no less than €263m, there is only one sensible choice: freeze the gambling tax and protect players against illegal offers,” Blok concluded.
