The Dutch government and the Dutch gambling regulator “Kansspelautoriteit” have published a new monitor report on the impact of higher gambling taxes as the gambling tax rate increased from 30.5% to 34.2% in January 2025 and then to 37.8% in January 2026. The report reviews effects on tax income, market activity, channelisation and contributions to public causes.

  • The main objective of the tax increase was to generate an additional EUR 108 million in 2025 and EUR 216 million in 2026. According to the report, that target was not achieved. Tax revenue was only EUR 2 million higher in 2025 than in 2024, while the 2026 forecast points to an increase of EUR 57 million compared with 2024.
  • The report states that the Dutch gambling tax increase coincided with several other market changes, making it difficult to isolate its impact. New player protection rules introduced in late 2024 reduced gambling activity and affected operator revenues. The monitor notes that these measures achieved their player protection objectives but also influenced tax receipts.
  • Land-based gambling activity showed signs of decline during the review period. Visits to casinos and gaming arcades fell from 4.6 million in the first quarter of 2025 to 4.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, representing an 11% decrease. The number of gaming arcade venues also continued to decline, with operators citing the higher tax burden as one of the reasons for closures.
  • The report estimates that the Dutch gambling tax increase also reduced other income streams for the state. Holland Casino’s profit before corporate tax was estimated to be EUR 27 million lower in 2025 because of the tax change, while Dutch Lottery-related payments to the state were also reduced. The report concludes: “Het doel van de belastingverhoging is niet behaald,” meaning the objective of the tax increase was not achieved.
  • Online channelisation remained relatively stable despite the tax increases. The report estimates that around 91% of players and 95% of gambling expenditure stayed within the legal market in 2025. This suggests that most consumers continued to use licensed operators despite higher taxation.

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