Dutch Government Keeps Lottery State-Run, Prioritizes Gambling Reforms

The Dutch government has confirmed it will retain state control over the national lottery operator Nederlandse Loterij, canceling earlier privatization plans. In a joint statement to parliament on Tuesday, State Secretaries Tjebbe van Oostenbruggen (Taxation) and Teun Struycken (Legal Protection) declared privatization “not feasible or proportionate.” They cited misalignment with the nation’s gambling policy framework.

The decision follows a November 2024 parliamentary debate exploring private-sector transfer options. Authorities emphasized maintaining the current lottery structure while prioritizing the modernization of online gambling regulations and enhanced player safeguards. State-run Holland Casino’s status will also remain unchanged under the policy shift.

Regulatory Strategy Underway

State Secretary van Oostenbruggen underscored that state ownership enables a gambling operator “structured differently from commercial gambling operators.” This positions the government to safeguard market stability and mitigate gambling-related risks. He highlighted that it aligns with the Netherlands’ gambling policy framework, prioritizing public safety, addiction prevention, and curbing illegal operations.

Authorities will maintain the existing lottery and land-based sectors while intensifying scrutiny of online platforms, seeking to implement stricter online gambling laws.State Secretary Struycken suggested advertising restrictions and a higher minimum age restriction of 21 for high-risk games like slots. An update on these legislative reforms is expected by December 2025.

“The government also wants to take responsibility in a market that clearly also has negative aspects,” van Oostenbruggen reiterated in a parliamentary communique. He emphasized adaptive measures to protect players in a rapidly evolving industry.

Lottery CEO Eyes Future Independence

Nederlandse Loterij CEO Arjan Blok expressed conditional support for the government’s decision to retain state ownership while advocating for eventual privatization to enhance competitiveness. “Nederlandse Loterij wants to be the most responsible gambling provider,” Blok stated, stressing that sustained independence would allow the operator to “structurally compete with international competitors on the Dutch market.”

While he acknowledged the state’s rationale, Blok emphasized the Dutch lottery’s long-term goal of autonomy, calling it critical for maintaining market leadership. He welcomed the government’s openness to re-evaluate its stake and recognition of the lottery’s social role, particularly its focus on responsible gambling participation. The CEO underscored alignment with regulatory priorities but framed independence as pivotal to balancing public obligations with global market demands.

Holland Casino to Remain State-Owned

The Dutch government confirmed Holland Casino will also remain state-owned amid financial strain from gambling tax hikes. These pressures follow a 7.3% increase in January 2025 and another slated for 2026. CEO Petra de Ruiter warned in August 2024 that the increases risk profitability, labeling the hikes irresponsible.

Officials are negotiating support measures as the casino implements cost reductions, like the closure of its Zandvoort venue. It has also secured a tax payment pose and a longer repayment period for debts accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic.