Holland Casino Appeals to Trade Unions

In a bid to resist the planned gambling tax hike in the Netherlands, state-owned Holland Casino has approached trade unions, including De Unie, to gain support against the measure. Facing increased operational challenges, Holland Casino is also preparing to scale down its operations in several locations. With De Unie calling for a voluntary departure scheme as a condition for its backing, the Dutch gambling industry finds itself at a critical juncture.

Holland Casino Seeks Union Support to Oppose Dutch Gambling Tax Increase

With the Dutch government’s planned gambling tax increase looming, Holland Casino is actively seeking support from trade unions to oppose the measure. The state-owned operator argues that the tax hike, set to rise from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025 and then to 37.8% in 2026, will burden its operations. De Unie, a private-sector trade union, has expressed conditional support, urging Holland Casino to implement a voluntary departure scheme for employees.

Key Points:

• Holland Casino has approached trade unions, seeking support against the upcoming Dutch gambling tax increase.
• De Unie has requested a voluntary departure scheme as a condition for supporting Holland Casino’s stance.
• Holland Casino plans to close Zandvoort by February 2025 and reduce hours in Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

The operator’s scaled-down operations are part of a strategy to adapt to the challenges posed by the tax hike, with plans to close its Zandvoort location by early 2025 and reduce operating hours in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Holland Casino has also hinted at launching more aggressive campaigns to maintain profitability amid these regulatory changes, a move that may further impact its workforce.

Trade Unions Call for Voluntary Departure Schemes

While De Unie has shown conditional support, the union is calling on Holland Casino to introduce a voluntary departure scheme for employees, allowing them the choice to leave before formal redundancy processes. Holland Casino has thus far resisted this proposal, opting instead to reallocate affected staff to other venues. However, the operator’s downsizing efforts could lead to renewed negotiations with De Unie and other unions as it adjusts to a changing business environment.

The Dutch Gambling Tax Hike and Its Broader Implications

The Dutch government’s tax hike is part of a phased approach by the new right-wing coalition, with Finance Minister Eelco Heinen and Prime Minister Dick Schoof introducing the proposal in the national budget. While the government argues that the phased increases give operators time to adjust, the tax rise is expected to place considerable strain on licensed operators. By 2026, operators will face a gambling tax rate of 37.8%, one of the highest rates in Europe, placing the Dutch gambling market under pressure.

In addition to raising gambling taxes, the Dutch government is scrapping the current tax on customer winnings over €449, hoping to streamline the taxation system. However, as Holland Casino and other operators adapt to increased tax obligations, there are rising calls for the state to privatize Holland Casino, potentially reshaping the national gambling landscape.

Rising Gambling Tax Rates Across Europe

Holland Casino’s challenges are part of a wider trend in Europe, where gambling tax rates are on the rise. In Sweden, the tax rate increased this year, with operators already raising concerns about its effects on the industry. France also has plans for a tax increase, while the UK has chosen to hold its tax rate steady for 2025, allowing operators to maintain their current frameworks for the time being. As European governments grapple with balancing gambling revenues and regulatory frameworks, the impact of these changes is being felt across the continent.

What’s Next for Holland Casino?

Holland Casino’s outreach to trade unions reflects the intense pressure the operator faces. Without union support, the casino may struggle to resist the tax hikes, which will significantly impact its operating budget. As the coming months unfold, Holland Casino’s fate will depend on negotiations with unions and possibly with the government, which faces pressure to find a balance between its fiscal goals and maintaining a viable gaming industry.

The planned Dutch gambling tax hike presents a serious challenge for Holland Casino, prompting the state-owned operator to seek union support in opposing the tax increase. With De Unie requesting voluntary departure schemes for employees and ongoing adjustments to Holland Casino’s operations, the Dutch gambling landscape faces a period of uncertainty. As European countries raise gambling taxes, Holland Casino’s experience may signal the broader challenges awaiting the continent’s gaming industry.