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Holland Casino Online has been granted a five-year extension to its Dutch online gambling licence by the Netherlands Gaming Authority, allowing the state-owned operator to continue serving the regulated market until at least 2031.
The Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) announced the extension on Thursday. The renewed licence will take effect on 1 October 2026, precisely five years after the Netherlands opened its regulated online gambling market.
Petra de Ruiter, chief executive of Holland Casino, said the operator will continue to prioritize player protection in its online offering. “At the same time, it remains essential that the regulated market is attractive enough to keep players away from unregulated providers, where supervision and protection are lacking,” she added.
The renewal follows criticism from the operator over the government’s gambling tax increase that took effect in January. The tax rate jumped to 34.2% of gross gaming revenue initially, with the full increase to 37.8% implemented earlier this year.
Tax increase hits finances
Holland Casino was among the first operators to challenge the tax hike, arguing the increase would substantially cut into profit. The initial rise to 34.2% alone added €13.5 million in costs during the first half of 2025 for the operator.
The government confirmed it would negotiate with Holland Casino around the tax increase after announcing last year that the state-owned operator would not be privatized. When the tax hike was approved in September, the Ministry of Finance projected it would collect an additional €200 million annually between 2025 and 2028.
Advertising and channelization pressure
De Ruiter’s comments about keeping the regulated market attractive reflect wider industry concerns about channelization in the Dutch market. The Netherlands introduced a near-complete advertising ban in June last year, with the Gaming Authority recently addressing accusations that operators Betcity and TOTO Winkel violated the prohibition on using role models in gambling advertising.
Industry observers have questioned whether the combination of high taxes and strict advertising restrictions might push players toward unlicensed operators, undermining the regulated market the government established in October 2021.
The licence extension runs through at least 2031, though the financial pressures facing Holland Casino and other licensed operators in the Dutch market remain unresolved.
Key questions answered
How long has Holland Casino Online’s license been extended?
The license has been extended for five years, allowing Holland Casino Online to operate until at least 2031. The renewed license takes effect on October 1, 2026.
How much did the gambling tax rate increase in the Netherlands?
The tax rate initially jumped to 34.2% of gross gaming revenue in January, with the full increase to 37.8% implemented earlier this year.
How much did the initial tax increase cost Holland Casino?
The initial rise to 34.2% added €13.5 million in costs during the first half of 2025 for the operator.
When did the Netherlands introduce its advertising ban for gambling?
The Netherlands introduced a near-complete advertising ban in June of last year.