Dutch Gambling Market Grows 21% in 2023

The Dutch gambling market has shown impressive growth, with a total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of €4 billion in 2023, reflecting a 21.2% increase compared to 2022. This surge, highlighted in reports by the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA), marks a robust recovery in land-based casinos and continued expansion in the online sector. The KSA’s annual Market Scan for 2023 and first-half report for 2024 provide insights into the dynamics of the Dutch gambling market. While land-based casinos showed significant recovery, the real growth driver has been the online gambling sector, with an 8% GGR increase in the first half of 2024 alone. With a recovering land-based sector and a booming online gambling market, the Dutch gaming landscape is evolving rapidly. Both seasoned operators and new players are poised to benefit from this positive trend, with tailored strategies to capture market share and engage customers. Dive into the key growth trends and opportunities within the Dutch gambling market, and learn how your brand can thrive in this expanding space.

Dutch Gambling Market Sees Substantial Growth in 2023-2024, Fueled by Online Sector Expansion

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has released its latest reports detailing the remarkable growth in the Dutch gambling market for 2023 and the first half of 2024. The market’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) soared to €4 billion in 2023, a 21.2% increase from the previous year, showcasing strong recovery and expansion across various sectors, especially in online gambling.

Recovery and Expansion Across Sectors

A key driver of this growth was the land-based casino sector, which experienced a 19% increase in GGR in 2023, a positive recovery following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite this rebound, the sector’s revenue remains below pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.

Online gambling, meanwhile, continues to show impressive momentum, accounting for a significant portion of overall market growth. In the first half of 2024, the GGR for online gambling rose by 8%, reaching €752 million, as more players shifted to digital platforms. Casino games against the house, such as table games and slots, dominated the online market, contributing 72% of the total GGR.

Younger Players Fueling Market Growth

The reports also indicated a rise in the number of younger adults engaging in online gambling. Players aged 18-23 made up 10.8% of the total GGR in 2024, up from 9.6% in 2023. Although this demographic is growing, they tend to spend less, averaging €55 per month, compared to older players who typically spend more.

The total number of online gambling accounts saw steady growth, with an average of 1.07 million accounts active per month in early 2024. However, the number of unique monthly players was lower, with around 455,000 people gambling regularly.

Addressing Responsible Gaming and Addiction

The rise in gambling activity has also led to increased focus on gambling addiction treatment. In 2023, 2,456 people received treatment for gambling addiction, a 28% increase from 2022. This increase may be attributed to improved reporting by addiction treatment institutions, but it highlights the need for stronger responsible gaming initiatives as the market expands.

A Booming Market with Growing Challenges

The Dutch gambling market’s rapid growth, particularly in the online sector, presents exciting opportunities for operators and stakeholders. However, it also underscores the importance of maintaining strict regulations and responsible gaming measures. With younger players entering the market and online platforms continuing to thrive, the future of Dutch gambling looks both promising and challenging, requiring a balanced approach to growth and player protection.