Key points:
- Holland Casino faces a gambling tax increase, from 30.5% in 2024 to 34.2% in 2025, with a proposed rise to 37.8% in 2026
- The company has declined a voluntary departure scheme, citing high costs and the need for staff retention
- The Zandvoort branch will close due to long-term unprofitability, with most staff expected to be relocated to nearby branches
The Dutch state-owned gaming operator Holland Casino is preparing for a significant rise in the national gambling tax rate, set to increase from 30.5% to 34.2% as of 1 January 2025.
This increase is expected to impact the casino's profitability, with further concerns over a proposed tax hike to 37.8% in 2026.
In response, Holland Casino is engaging with union representatives to advocate against the additional tax increase.
Amid these financial pressures, labour union De Unie has emphasised the importance of job preservation. De Unie has also requested that Holland Casino reintroduces the voluntary departure scheme (VAA) for employees, as outlined in the current social plan.
Holland Casino’s management has declined, however, citing the high costs associated with such a program and the need to retain staff across its branches.
Additionally, Holland Casino recently announced the planned closure of its Zandvoort location. The company clarified that the decision to close the branch is independent of the tax increases, attributing the closure to the branch’s long-term lack of profitability.
Following the closure, the casino intends to relocate affected employees to other branches within 90 minutes of Zandvoort.
This update comes after Holland Casino unions already spoke out against the Netherlands gambling tax last month – arguing that the decision would put Holland Casino under too much pressure.
