Warning Issued on the Future of the Dutch Online Gambling Market
In his first public appearance as chairman of the VNLOK, Björn Fuchs delivered a stark warning at the Gaming in Holland conference regarding the future of the regulated online gambling market. Fuchs believes the market is at a critical juncture, where upcoming policy decisions will determine the survival of legal gambling offerings in the Netherlands.
Fuchs began his speech by comparing the gambling market to a marathon. He argued that every participant is in it for the long haul, and success depends on a collectively chosen pace, endurance, and a steady course. He emphasized avoiding quick wins and opting for a sustainable approach.
Fuchs outlined three forms of viability essential for the regulated gambling market’s survival:
- Protective viability
- Regulatory viability
- Economic viability
Regarding protective viability, he stressed the importance of effective consumer protection. Fuchs stated that operators who do not take this principle seriously should have their licenses revoked. However, he also warned that disproportionate protective measures could lead to undesirable effects. Citing recent Belgian research, he demonstrated that stricter rules can sometimes lead to an increase in illegal online gambling, especially among young people.
According to the new chairman of VNLOK, policymakers must prevent similar trends from occurring in the Netherlands. Consumers who abandon legal offerings due to restrictive regulations receive less protection. As a result, the net effect of new measures could negatively impact public health.
Rules Must Be Carefully Considered
The second pillar, regulatory viability, requires a cautious and fact-based approach, according to Fuchs. He stated that the market has no room for experimentation and that new rules should only be introduced after the effects of existing measures have been thoroughly investigated.
Fuchs called for broader responsibility. Not only should the Gaming Authority and the ministry commit to combating illegal providers, but banks, search engines, and social media platforms must also play their part. He believes these technology companies have sufficient knowledge to effectively prevent illegal gambling providers from reaching Dutch consumers.
Economic Pressure Is Increasing
The third form of vitality is economic. Fuchs emphasized that a viable market can only exist if there is also economic sustainability for legal online casinos. He pointed to declining market growth, increasing regulatory pressure, and the recent increase in gambling taxes as factors that put pressure on legal offerings.
The planned further increase in gambling taxes in 2026, he argues, will lead to a situation where licensed operators can barely operate profitably. This makes legal offerings less attractive, which could push consumers back towards the illegal circuit.
Fuchs called on politicians to suspend the proposed increase and first conduct a broad and factual analysis of the consequences for the market. He believes that a higher tax burden will ultimately yield less tax revenue if players massively defect to illegal offerings.
Call for Collaboration
At the end of his speech, Fuchs emphasized the importance of structural cooperation between all parties within and around the gambling sector. He cited recent initiatives by the Gaming Authority as positive examples and underscored the importance of mutual dialogue between providers, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Fuchs indicated that VNLOK has intensified its collaboration with fellow industry association NOGA in recent times. His professional ambition is to take this collaboration between the industry associations to the next level. In addition, he expressed the hope that providers who are not yet members will actively participate in the conversation about the future of the market.
According to Fuchs, all market participants face the same challenge. Only by sharing knowledge, improving together, and speaking with one voice can the regulated gambling market in the Netherlands remain safe and sustainable in the long term.
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