Meld Vals Spel is an initiative that will allow VNLOK and NOGA members, as well as other licensees, partner organisations and other industry stakeholders, to report any illegal gambling practices they see, such as a lack of player protection, excessive bonuses and minors not being excluded.

To complement the efforts combatting illegal gambling in the Netherlands by the country’s gaming authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), VNLOK and NOGA hope that the reporting centre will help “gain a better understanding of the working methods of illegal parties” and contribute to “a more effective approach to illegality and the protection of vulnerable players”.

Meld Vals Spel’s goal is also to warn against the risks of playing on illegal gambling websites, as well as ensure “illegal practices are dealt with severely” by bringing illegal practices to the attention of the KSA, politics and social media.

In addition, NOGA and VNLOK added that such reports can be used as a reason to conduct further investigations and gather information on illegal gambling.

The two trade associations hope Meld Vals Spel can also assist the KSA and consumers in highlighting how illegal gambling sites are using other illegal practices in the Dutch market, such as false logos and company names to advertise themselves and a lack of age verification.

Helma Lodders, Chair of VNLOK and Eric Konings, Acting Director of NOGA, said: “Licensed providers of online gambling have a joint responsibility to offer players a legal, safe and responsible offer. This often goes well, but can also be improved. We work hard on this every day. 

“At the same time, many Dutch people still come into contact with illegal gambling sites and apps. These illegal parties actively respond to the increasingly strict Dutch regulations by, for example, advertising on search terms such as ‘playing without limits’ or ‘playing without Cruks’. 

“In doing so, they specifically attract (vulnerable) players. These types of illegal practices endanger the safety of players and must be tackled firmly.”

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Part of ComeOn Group, ComeOn joins NOGA’s membership list which includes the likes of LeoVegas, Entain, bet365, Betsson, Flutter Entertainment and Kindred.

Commenting on ComeOn’s membership with NOGA, Acting Director Eric Konings stated: “ComeOn has managed to build up a good brand awareness in the Netherlands in a short period of time, and we are pleased that this provider has now joined us.

“The Dutch gambling market is facing a number of interesting challenges, which we can best tackle in close cooperation. Now that ComeOn has become a member of us, we are even stronger in that respect.”

Founded in 2008, ComeOn Group now consists of over 500 employees operating across 15 different brands in various countries globally. In the Netherlands, the operator’s offerings include casino, live casino and sportsbook.

Back in September, the Netherlands’ government presented its budget for 2025, revealing a gambling tax increase which will be completed in two steps, initially increasing from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025, before increasing again to a final figure of 37.8% in 2026.

This tax will be paid on winnings of more than €449 from a lottery or casino in the Dutch market.

Following this announcement, NOGA released a joint statement alongside Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK – Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers) and VAN Kansspelen, stating that they believe the tax increase will cause more operators to leave the regulated market, resulting in decreased tax revenue.

The statement read: “The regulated gaming sector (represented by trade associations NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK) reacts with great concern to the government’s intention to increase the gambling tax from 30.5%, 34.2% in 2025, to ultimately 37.8% in 2026. 

“In view of the phased introduction, the government shows some recognition of the risks of counterproductive effects on gambling policy objectives and the public purse, but does not allay concerns about the continued existence of regulated gambling offerings. This underlines the need to map the effects of the gambling tax, in conjunction with other announced policy changes, ongoing evaluations and previous parliamentary decisions, more fundamentally and carefully.”

The statement continued: “All the facts and figures indicate that the tax increase will lead to a further depletion of the regulated supply. Tax revenues will fall as a result. At the same time, an increase in illegal and therefore riskier gambling is to be expected. 

“This is to the detriment of the general policy objectives of the Dutch gambling policy, which specifically focus on consumer protection and the prevention of fraud, crime and gambling addiction. If this is abandoned, social costs will increase and therefore mean additional financial setbacks.

“The members of NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK call on the government to bring the financial targets in line with the gambling policy, and to discuss this with the parties involved. In this context, the social importance of the safe and regulated range of games of chance on the one hand and the income for the state treasury on the other hand will have to be balanced with each other. 

“For these purposes, it is essential that the proper exploitation of legal supply remains possible, and it is precisely this that will come under serious further pressure as a result of the proposed tax increase.”

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Within its tax plan, the government’s Ministry of Finance stated that it will initially increase gambling tax from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025, before increasing again to the final figure of 37.8% in 2026.

The government added that this tax will be paid on winnings of more than €449 from a lottery or casino in the Dutch market.

Operators and associations alike from across the Dutch gambling industry have reacted to this tax increase, with the Nederlandse Online Gambling Association, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK releasing a joint statement.

The statement reads: “The regulated gaming sector (represented by trade associations NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK) reacts with great concern to the government’s intention to increase the gambling tax from 30.5%, 34.2% in 2025, to ultimately 37.8% in 2026. 

“In view of the phased introduction, the government shows some recognition of the risks of counterproductive effects on gambling policy objectives and the public purse, but does not allay concerns about the continued existence of regulated gambling offerings. This underlines the need to map the effects of the gambling tax, in conjunction with other announced policy changes, ongoing evaluations and previous parliamentary decisions, more fundamentally and carefully.”

The three organisations believe that the tax increase will cause more operators to leave the regulated market, resulting in decreased tax revenue.

“All the facts and figures indicate that the tax increase will lead to a further depletion of the regulated supply. Tax revenues will fall as a result. At the same time, an increase in illegal and therefore riskier gambling is to be expected. 

“This is to the detriment of the general policy objectives of the Dutch gambling policy, which specifically focus on consumer protection and the prevention of fraud, crime and gambling addiction. If this is abandoned, social costs will increase and therefore mean additional financial setbacks.

“The members of NOGA, VAN Kansspelen and VNLOK call on the government to bring the financial targets in line with the gambling policy, and to discuss this with the parties involved. In this context, the social importance of the safe and regulated range of games of chance on the one hand and the income for the state treasury on the other hand will have to be balanced with each other. 

“For these purposes, it is essential that the proper exploitation of legal supply remains possible, and it is precisely this that will come under serious further pressure as a result of the proposed tax increase.”

Earlier this week, Flutter Entertainment’s tombola announced that it would be leaving the Netherlands at the start of next month, citing the tax increase as the reason why.

The operator stated on its website: “The conclusion is that resources can be better deployed in larger or new markets. In addition, stricter regulations and gambling tax increases are also on the way. All these reasons have played a role in closing the doors permanently.”

Last month, Holland Casino reflected on the potential 7.3% tax increase, which has now become a reality, within its H1 financial results, stating that it was “irresponsible”.

CEO Petra de Ruiter said: “Our total tax burden will then be almost 50%. This means that black figures are not possible. We are going to make a big loss. Unlike supermarkets, we are not able to pass on price increases properly. 

“The only alternative is that we take very undesirable measures such as aggressive campaigns to attract new guests, encouraging people to spend much more or by significantly reducing the prize money. These measures are unacceptable to Holland Casino and irresponsible from the point of view of government policy on gambling. In addition, the planned investments in our prevention policy will also come under pressure.”

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NOGA’s statement comes in response to the new Addiction Care Key Figures 2018 – 2023 report from Landelijk Alcohol en Drugs Informatie Systeem, the Netherlands’ National Alcohol and Drugs Information System.

2023 figures from LADIS show that the number of people in addiction care with gambling as their primary problem has risen to 2,456, in comparison to 2022’s figure of 1,920 people. Gambling addiction accounts for a four per cent share of the total problems in addiction care.

According to NOGA, the main reason behind the increase has been due to the “expansion in the number of supplying institutions, although institutions that have been supplying information for some time have also reported a slight increase”.

Commenting on the figures, Eric Konings, Interim Director of NOGA, stated: “The figures published today show that after years of decline, there is now an increase in the number of gambling addicts in addiction care. 

“Although the growth is mainly caused by the fact that more institutions have started providing figures, this is cause for concern. After all, gambling should be a safe and responsible form of entertainment for all Dutch people, and 2,456 people who had to ask for help are 2,456 too many. 

“As we also stated last year, these figures must be interpreted with caution, because it often takes quite some time before people turn to addiction care for problematic gaming behaviour. Just as the downward trend of recent years was no reason to cheer, these figures are also no reason to panic.”

Konings continued: “It is also not known for the majority of people where they developed gambling problems, and the figures do not distinguish between whether the gambling problem arose from legal and illegal online offerings. It would help enormously for a fact-based debate about gambling addiction problems if this became clear.

“In the meantime, NOGA continues to work for a responsible gambling offering in the Netherlands, such as in our collaboration with AGOG. After all, our members stand for a safe online gambling market.”

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Codere Online

Codere Online has appointed three new members to its board of directors – Gabriel Saenz de Buruaga, Taavi Davies and Claude Noesen.

The appointments were part of the company’s annual general meeting and all three new members have been selected for an initial term of one year on the board, replacing Patrick Ramsey, Michal Elimelech and Laurent Teitgen.

Gonzaga Higuero, CEO of Codere Group, was also re-appointed as a director and will serve as Chair of the board. 

Higuero stated: “We welcome these new additions to the Board and look forward to working with them to build upon the significant progress achieved by the company in recent years.”

Changes have also been made to Codere Online’s board committees. In the audit committee, Noesen has been appointed as a member, while Borja Fernández and Daniel Valdez will continue to serve as Chair and member, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the compliance committee, Davies and Mark Dunn have been appointed as members, while Rafael Catalá and Yaiza Rodríguez will continue to serve as members.

Higuero added: “I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Pat for his valuable contribution and dedication as Chairman since Codere Online went public in 2021, and I am excited that he will be joining me on the board of our parent company, Codere New Topco, following its recently announced recapitalisation and as it looks ahead to a promising future.”

CT Interactive 

CT Interactive has appointed Monika Zlateva as its Chief Commercial Officer.

The igaming supplier noted that Zlateva brings expertise in new business development, customer acquisition and retention to the position and has showcased leadership in business strategy, sales initiatives and marketing campaigns.

Zlateva also brings a wealth of igaming experience to CT Interactive, as she has previously worked for the likes of 7777 gaming, BetConstruct, Amusnet Gaming and SBTech, holding leadership roles such as Business Development Partner, Business Development Director and Regional Director of Business Development.

Commenting on her new role on LinkedIn, Zlateva said: “Very excited and honoured to join the CT Interactive team! It’s not a secret that casino content is the closest to my heart so I am looking forward to growing the business together with such great professionals! Stay tuned for what’s coming next.”

Louisiana Gaming Control Board

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has named Christopher Hebert as the Chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. He is also the first African-American to serve as Chair. 

Having previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana for over 19 years and as the Director of the Gaming Division for the previous eight years, Hebert will now lead the regulation of all gaming activities under the jurisdiction of the Pelican State.

Landry said: “I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry. I look forward to the great work he will do for our state and our economy.”

Hebert will be replacing Ronnie Johns as Chair, who is relinquishing his role at the end of June after being appointed in 2021.

Commenting on his new role, Hebert noted: “Proper regulation of the gaming industry is crucial at a time in which gaming revenue continues to be a substantial part of our state’s economy. 

“I am both humbled and honoured that Governor Landry has tapped me as the first African-American Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and I vow to continue the hard work of previous chairmen in ensuring that gaming is free from criminal and corrupt elements. 

“We will continue to regulate in a fair manner which ensures that our gaming licensees are able to operate in an environment that generates healthy revenue for the state through economic development.”

Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie

The Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie has announced that Peter-Paul de Goeij is stepping down as Director of the association as he plans to emigrate abroad.

Eric Konings has been named by NOGA as Interim Director. He will be supported by Frans van Steenis, former CEO of Staatsloterij, the state lottery.

“We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his commitment over the past five years, in which he has shaped the transformation from SpeelVerantwoord to NOGA in an excellent way,” stated Remko de Boer, Chair of the board of directors of NOGA.

“As a result, NOGA has been able to represent the interests of its members well, in a tumultuous period for the industry. We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim director. However, we do expect that the coming period will not be less turbulent. That is why we, as a board, have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation.”

Commenting on his departure, de Goeij said: “The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am stepping down now, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to make efforts to ensure that the game is safe and responsible.

“That is and remains the best way to achieve optimum consumer protection. I would like to thank the board of NOGA for the trust they have placed in me over the past five years and I am happy to hand over the baton to Eric.”

Konings noted: “The industry is facing some major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members with this.

“In addition, NOGA is explicitly orienting itself on how the interests of the industry can be organised in a future-proof way. I am happy that Frans van Steenis is fulfilling the role of scout to shape this process with me.”

Van Steenis added: “A lot is happening in the gaming sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policymakers and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all those involved in the gambling file.”

New York State Gaming Facility Location Board

The New York State Gaming Commission has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Vicki Been as Chair of the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is in charge of overseeing the commercial casino sitting process in the New York Metro region.

“Professor Been’s expertise is tailor-made to guide this process and I am proud to name her Chair of the Gaming Facility Location Board,” stated Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer. 

“This outstanding team is performing a great public service for which we are all grateful. We look forward to a robust competition for up to three licences.”

A member of the board since 2022, Been is the Judge Edward Weinfeld Professor of Law at New York University School of Law, an Affiliated Professor of Public Policy of the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Faculty Director of NYU’s Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy. 

With a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and being a graduate of the NYU School of Law, where she was a Root-Tilden Scholar, she returned to NYU following public service as Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development for the City of New York and Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development.

On the faculty at NYU since 1990, Been has focused her scholarship on the intersection of land use, urban policy and housing. She has also clerked for Judge Edward Weinfeld of the Southern District of New York and Justice Harry Blackmun of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Commenting on her new role, Been said: “I am honoured to take on this important role and look forward to working with my talented colleagues on the Gaming Facility Location Board to evaluate casino proposals that bring real tangible benefits to their host community and the entire state.

“My colleagues and I are committed to overseeing a fair, transparent and transformative casino siting process.”

Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder

Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder has announced that Udo Götze, State Secretary in the Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, will hand over the position of Chair of the board of directors to Reiner Moser, Head of the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalisation and Municipalities of Baden-Württemberg.

The handover will take place on July 1, 2024, bringing an end to Götze’s one-year term as Chair.

Götze noted: “Together with the federal states, the GGL has created a very good basis for the successful regulation of this rapidly developing digital market. Everyone involved can be proud of that.”

Moser added: “The regulation of gambling on the internet is a challenging task that focuses on the prevention of gambling addiction and the protection of players and minors. There were and will continue to be immense challenges to overcome. 

“This includes, among other things, the implementation of court decisions on the use of IP blocking as an enforcement instrument, but also developments in the area of supervision of legal providers. I am confident that GGL will successfully address these challenges. It can continue to be sure of the support of the states and the board of directors.”

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The trade association highlighted the Online Gambling Barometer 2024, the fourth edition of a study conducted by market research agency IPSOS I&O showing the developments and trends of the Netherlands’ online gambling market. 

NOGA initiated the Barometer and has been working with the VNLOK – Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers – since this year.

According to the research, 95 per cent of Dutch players who sometimes gamble do so with a licensed online operator, meeting the legislator’s target of 80 per cent.

However, nearly half of risk players – described by NOGA Director Peter-Paul de Goeij as players “who sometimes lie about their gambling behaviour or bet more money than they intended” and are players who “deserve extra protection” – will not show proof of income to gamble online, which the association says is an indication that players are switching to illegal gambling websites.

In addition, the research stated that over 40 per cent of risk players are switching to an operator where a playing limit does not have to be set.

Commenting on the figures, de Goeij said: “95 per cent is a good percentage, but it also means that around 90,000 Dutch people still gamble at illegal casinos. As many as all residents of Heerlen or Hengelo. It is important to reduce the illegal supply as much as possible.

“The upcoming stricter legislation is driving risk players in particular to illegal providers. Risk players are people who sometimes lie about their gambling behaviour or bet more money than they intended. These are players who deserve extra protection. Stricter measures may be counterproductive here.”

The Online Gambling Barometer 2024 also revealed that 68 per cent of players in the Netherlands are unable to tell the difference between legal and illegal gambling offers.

De Goeij noted: “Players often have no idea. This is partly due to the advertising ban on TV, radio and newspapers. If you search on Google, you will immediately end up at dozens of illegal casinos.”

The research also showed for the first time that there has been no growth in the number of online gamblers between the ages of 18 and 34, with half of all Dutch players being in this age group (2023: 60 per cent). The number of risk players in this age group has also remained stable in 2024 following an increase in the previous year.

IPSOS’ study revealed that there has been a small increase in the total number of online players, but this uptick is significantly lower than in other European countries and that Dutch players have not started to gamble more often per year.

Dutch people also believe that online gambling providers are responsible for preventing and identifying problematic gambling behaviour. 

“The protection of players and in particular vulnerable players, such as young adults, is our top priority,” stated Helma Lodders, Chair of the VNLOK.

“Online gambling providers with a license have an important responsibility to prevent and identify risky or problem games as much as possible. Taking a chance should be fun and not lead to problems.”

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