The Netherlands is facing a €200M+ tax shortfall in 2025 despite increasing the gambling tax rate to 34.2% of GGR.
According to reports from VNLOK, gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the first half of 2025 is down 25% YoY, and tax collected is just 83% of 2024 levels.
The government’s plan to generate €200M extra per year (2025–2028) is crumbling before it even begins. Why?
Restrictive Policies Are to Blame
- Bans on advertising & sponsorships
- Harsh deposit limits (€700/mo cap for adults, €300 for 18–25)
- Rising taxes (to hit 37.8% by Jan 2026)
VNLOK and VAN Kansspelen warn:
“The tax hike is ineffective, inefficient, and counterproductive. It’s weakening the legal market and pushing players underground.”
The KSA’s upcoming report is expected to confirm all this — channelisation fell from 58% to 50% in just 6 months.What was meant to strengthen regulation might end up fueling the black market.
