Netherlands Land-Based Casinos Continue to Struggle, KSA Data Shows
Summary
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) annual Market Scan shows continued weakness in the country’s land-based casino sector. Gross gaming revenue (GGR) from brick-and-mortar casinos fell by EUR 61 million year-on-year and remains 27% below 2019 levels after inflation adjustments. The segment’s economic contribution dropped to EUR 1.30 billion from EUR 1.36 billion the prior year.
The report also records a contraction in gaming halls (217 locations in 2023 down to 196 in 2024) and a fall in available player positions (24,692 to 20,997). Holland Casino reported 6,233 gaming positions and a reduced table network of 364 tables across 14 venues; the permanent closure of the Zandvoort venue on 31 January 2024 contributed to the table decline.
KSA data highlights a structural shift: Dutch players are moving online, and illegal (unregulated) online gambling grew in H1 2025 and — for the first time since regulation in 2021 — the unregulated online segment has overtaken the licensed market. The regulator points to stricter responsible-gaming rules introduced in October 2024 (Responsible Gaming Policy 2024, including spending limits) as a factor coinciding with the downturn and growth in unlicensed activity.
Key Points
- Land-based casino GGR fell by EUR 61 million year-on-year; still 27% below 2019 levels.
- The sector’s contribution decreased to EUR 1.30 billion (inflation-adjusted).
- Gaming halls reduced from 217 locations in 2023 to 196 in 2024; player positions fell from 24,692 to 20,997.
- Holland Casino reported 6,233 gaming positions and 364 tables across 14 venues; Zandvoort closed permanently in January 2024.
- Illegal online gambling expanded in early 2025, with the unregulated segment now larger than the licensed online market for the first time since 2021.
- KSA links the shift partly to stricter responsible-gaming measures introduced in October 2024.
- The trend mirrors international patterns where tighter rules have sometimes led to growth in unlicensed activity.
Why should I read this?
Short version: this is a wake-up call if you work in European gambling, hospitality or regulation. Land-based venues are shrinking, online black‑market play is rising, and recent safety-focused rules seem to have had unintended side effects. If you’re tracking market shifts or policy impacts, this saves you the time — and gives you the headline figures fast.
Context and relevance
The KSA findings matter because they show how regulation, consumer behaviour and channel substitution interact. The Netherlands has been a test case since online gambling was regulated in 2021; now the unregulated market overtaking the legal one signals enforcement and policy challenges.
For operators and policymakers, the report underlines two competing priorities: protecting players through tougher rules, while avoiding migration to unregulated providers. The data is relevant to broader European debates on how to balance consumer protections with effective market oversight and enforcement.
Author style
Punchy and to the point: this piece flags a significant trend rather than an isolated dip — worth a full read if you follow regulation, operator strategy or market health in the gambling sector.