The Netherlands' gaming regulatory strategy is facing one of its toughest challenges. While higher gambling taxes are generating far less revenue than the government projected, the regulated industry has opened a new legal front against Meta, accusing the technology giant of enabling the widespread promotion of illegal gambling operators. Together, the two developments have intensified the debate over the balance between taxation, regulation, and the competitiveness of the licensed market.
The Dutch government increased the gambling tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from 30.5% to 34.2% on January 1, 2025, before raising it again to 37.8% on January 1, 2026, creating one of the highest gambling tax rates in Europe. However, the fiscal outcome has fallen dramatically short of expectations. For 2025, the Ministry of Finance projected an additional €108 million in tax revenue, yet the increase generated only €2 million. For 2026, the government expected another €216 million, but current estimates indicate only €57 million, leaving a shortfall of more than 70% against official projections.
The assessment was jointly prepared by the Ministry of Finance and the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, chaired by Michel Groothuizen, while the Ministry of Finance continues to be led by Eelco Heinen. The report concludes that the heavier tax burden has reduced the profitability of licensed operators, placed additional pressure on Holland Casino, and accelerated consumer migration toward unlicensed gambling platforms.
Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers Association (VNLOK) has filed legal action against Meta Platforms, alleging that Facebook and Instagram have become major channels for illegal gambling advertising. According to VNLOK's investigation, more than 70,000 gambling-related advertisements appeared across Meta's platforms during the final quarter of 2025. More than 95% promoted operators without a Dutch license, while less than 5% were removed by Meta.
The study also found that illegal advertisements remained online for between 1.5 and 2 days, with some campaigns generating up to 50 million impressions before being taken down.
For VNLOK, combining one of Europe's highest gambling tax rates with the widespread visibility of illegal gambling advertising undermines the objectives of the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op Afstand – KOA), in force since 2021, and raises broader questions about the responsibility of major digital platforms in protecting the regulated gambling market.
