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Dutch-gaming-revenue-up-21_-in-2023-as-regulator-claims-95_-channelization The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA) has reported significant growth in the regulated gambling market, with the market’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) increasing by 21.2% in 2023, reaching €4 billion. However, the KSA has also raised concerns regarding the country’s channelisation rate, which measures the proportion of gambling activity conducted through legal operators. While some estimates put the rate as high as 95%, other data suggests it may be closer to 87% due to higher player spend on illegal sites.

Conflicting Channelisation Data

Two new reports released by the KSA on October 10, 2024, provide detailed insights into the current state of the Dutch gambling market. The Autumn 2024 Monitoring Report, which relies on data from research firms GfK and H2 Capital, estimates that the channelisation rate ranges between 87% and 95%, surpassing the initial target of 80% set in 2021.

According to GfK data, 95% of players only visited legal gambling sites during the first half of 2024. However, a second analysis, which considers revenue and player spend across both legal and illegal platforms, suggests the channelisation rate is closer to 87%. This method accounts for the fact that players tend to wager and lose more money on illegal gambling sites, which remain attractive due to the lack of regulatory oversight.

KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen commented on the findings, saying, “The stricter we regulate, the greater that difference can become.” He added that while the 95% channelisation rate is commendable, the issue of illegal gambling remains a concern as it often involves higher player spending.

Market Growth and Player Behaviour

The KSA’s Market Scan 2024 report shows that the Dutch gambling market has continued to expand, particularly in the online casino sector. Online casino games, including table games and slots, accounted for 27.25% of the total GGR in 2023, generating €1.09 billion. This represents a 34% year-on-year increase compared to 2022. Land-based casinos, while recovering, have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, with a 19% growth to €250 million in 2023.

Player spending in the Netherlands remains below the European average. Dutch adults spent an average of €272 per capita on gambling in 2023, compared to the EU average of €339. The Netherlands ranks just above Ireland but behind countries like Finland, France, and Denmark in terms of gambling expenditure.

Despite concerns about channelisation, data from the first half of 2024 indicates continued growth in the legal market. The GGR for the first six months of 2024 reached €752 million, an 8% increase from the second half of 2023. This growth was partly driven by an increase in sports betting during major events like the European Championship.

Sports Betting and Other Sectors

Sports betting remains a relatively small portion of the Dutch gambling market, contributing only 9% to the total GGR. Despite this, revenue from sports betting has more than tripled since the legalization of online gambling in 2021. The majority of sports betting revenue—83%—comes from online platforms, with land-based betting accounting for only 17%, largely controlled by Dutch monopolies like Zeturf and TOTO Winkel.

Lotteries continue to hold a significant share of the Dutch gambling market, maintaining a 30% market share in 2023, down slightly from 34% in 2022. This sector is entirely land-based, with no legal online lottery options currently available.

Future Outlook and Tax Concerns

Looking ahead, the Dutch gambling market is expected to face increased challenges due to a forthcoming tax hike. In January 2026, the gambling tax rate will rise from 30.5% to 37.8% of GGR, a move that has sparked concern and opposition within the industry. Although the government plans to introduce the tax increase gradually, operators fear that the higher tax burden could drive more players to unregulated, illegal platforms.

In 2023, Dutch gambling operators paid €117 million in taxes, alongside €698 million in charitable contributions. KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen emphasized that the KSA will continue to monitor the effects of policy changes, including the impact of the tax hike, through future reports. He expressed curiosity about the upcoming findings in the next monitoring report due in spring 2025, which will further inform regulatory decisions.

Source:

“State of affairs of the Dutch gambling market 2023-2024“, kansspelautoriteit.nl, October 10, 2024.

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Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), is calling for a “rigorous” response from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) after research revealed that illegal operators are allowing minors to gamble. The findings, shared by Keurmerk Responsible Affiliates (KVA) and Licensed Dutch Gaming Providers (VNLOK), highlight a significant issue within the Netherlands’ gambling industry.

Research Findings on Underage Gambling

noga-urges-rigorous-ksa-response-after-research-finds-illegal-operators-accepting-bets-from-minors The research conducted by KVA uncovered that minors in the Netherlands can easily gamble with offshore operators. The study showed that these operators do not require the necessary age verification, allowing anyone with an email address or telephone number to create an account. This lack of oversight enables those below the legal gambling age of 18 to deposit and gamble, often using cryptocurrency for anonymous transactions.

Further, the study found that illegal casinos use the logos of banks and legal operators to mislead minors into believing that their deposits are safe. This practice is particularly concerning as it exploits the trust and security associated with these financial institutions.

Previous Research and Industry Concerns

KVA’s recent findings build on previous research from 2023, which indicated that illegal sites were targeting players attempting to bypass Cruks, the Netherlands’ self-exclusion scheme. This ongoing issue highlights the need for stringent regulatory measures to protect vulnerable groups from the risks associated with illegal gambling.

De Goeij emphasized the heightened risks for underage gamblers, noting their increased susceptibility to addiction and related mental health and financial problems. He urged the KSA to take decisive action to address these issues and fulfill its mandate to protect consumers.

“The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, is expected to address these issues rigorously,” De Goeij told iGB. “The KSA is likely to enhance monitoring and enforcement actions against unlicensed operators, imposing hefty fines and blocking access to these websites. Educating the public, especially minors and their parents, about the risks of unlicensed gambling and how to avoid these sites can be an effective preventive measure.”

Recommendations for KSA Action

De Goeij advocates for increased collaboration between the KSA and other jurisdictions, sharing intelligence and best practices to combat illegal operators. He also suggests that the KSA should work closely with financial institutions to block illegal transactions and cut off revenue streams to offshore operators.

“The KSA should employ advanced technologies like geolocation blocking and AI-driven monitoring to detect and shut down access to offshore gambling platforms,” De Goeij added. “Working with internet service providers (ISPs) to block unlicensed gambling sites could significantly reduce access.”

Broader Issues in the Dutch Gambling Market

The timing of KVA’s research coincides with growing industry concerns over regulatory changes in the Netherlands. Recently, a coalition agreement proposed increasing the gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%, aiming to generate an additional €202m in tax revenue. NOGA has expressed concerns that such measures could push operators towards the black market, undermining the regulated market’s integrity.

Earlier this year, the house of representatives voted to ban “high-risk” gambling, including online slots, and to prohibit online gambling advertising. These regulatory changes, combined with higher taxes, could drive more players to unlicensed sites, where consumer protections are minimal.

De Goeij is particularly worried about the potential impact on the legal market, warning that higher taxes and advertising restrictions might reduce revenue for the Dutch government and legal operators. This shift could lead to increased fraud, addiction, and other harms associated with unregulated gambling.

NOGA’s Strategic Recommendations

To combat the potential rise of the black market, De Goeij recommends that the KSA and the government adopt evidence-based regulations that do not overly burden legal operators. He believes that encouraging innovation and improving customer experiences in the legal market can help retain and attract players.

“The KSA and the government should encourage innovation and better customer experiences in the legal market to retain and attract players,” De Goeij said. “They should also be continuously researching market trends and player behavior to adapt regulations and strategies dynamically. Only by taking a proactive and balanced approach, the Netherlands can protect its citizens while maintaining a robust and attractive legal gambling market.”

Source: “NOGA urges rigorous KSA response after research finds illegal operators accepting bets from minors”. iGaming Business, May 23, 2024.

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Dutch Gambling Market Sees Growth Amid Channelisation Concerns