In the past year, gambling and betting companies in the Netherlands collectively earned 3.4 billion euros in profits after deducting expenses. This figure represents a substantial increase of 700 million euros, or nearly 26 percent, compared to 2019, which was the last year before the imposition of COVID-19 restrictions. In 2022, the average Dutch individual wagered approximately 258 euros in the realm of gambling, as reported by the Gaming Authority (KSA), the regulatory body overseeing the gambling industry in the country.
Since October 2021, the Netherlands has permitted online gambling legally. In the inaugural year following this legalization, the KSA has observed a significant upswing in the earnings of gambling enterprises. On average, each adult resident in the Netherlands spent 258 euros on games of chance in 2022, marking a notable increase of 100 euros compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the average Dutch adult spent 14 percent less on gambling than the typical resident of the European Union.
The KSA’s report highlights a prominent shift from physical to online gambling, particularly in casino games. In comparison to 2019, there has been a surge in the expenditure on casino games. Conversely, the share of physical casino games like table games, gaming machines, and catering machines witnessed a decrease of 30 percent. However, the KSA suggests that the physical gambling market may not have fully rebounded to its pre-pandemic levels, and there is potential for further recovery in that sector.
Evidence of gamblers returning to physical casinos in 2023 is underscored by the half-yearly data from Holland Casino, a government-owned gambling establishment. In the first half of 2023, the branches of Holland Casino welcomed 2.5 million visitors, surpassing the 1.8 million visits recorded in the previous year, signifying a resurgence in physical casino attendance.
Abaigael Schlomski is an accomplished economist and financial journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. He is a regular contributor to EconomicInform, where he provides in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the latest economic trends and events. With a keen understanding of the financial markets and a talent for breaking down complex economic concepts for a general audience, Maurice is a trusted and respected voice in the field.
