New coalition agreement raises Dutch game tax to 37.8%

A significant change in the gaming tax rate is set to take place in the Netherlands, as outlined in the recently announced coalition agreement between the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB factions. According to a budget annex released late at night on May 15, the gaming tax will increase to 37.8 percent. The adjustment is expected to generate an additional 220 million euros in state finances each year.

According to Casinonieuws , the settlement was completed in time, with the parties reaching an agreement just before the deadline. PVV was the first to approve the settlement at 7:30 p.m., BBB was the first to approve it at 9:30 p.m., and NSC 20 minutes later. VVD was unanimously approved at 11:40 p.m., signaling the end of negotiation sessions featuring late-night deliberations around pizza.

Final details of the agreement were reached by 1:39 a.m., and just after 2 a.m., a 26-page document was handed over to House Speaker Bosma. During the morning of May 16, the agreement, titled “Hope, Courage, and Pride,” was officially announced to the public in the Netherlands.

an increase in game tax

The coalition agreement, formed by right-wing parties, did not specifically mention gambling within its main text. But the budget annex details the planned increase in the gaming tax at 37.8% from the current 30.5% with the aim of bringing an additional 222 million euros into the country’s finances each year.

The annex reads: “Gambling tax increases. Gambling tax increases by 202 million euros on a structural basis. This means a rate of increase from 30.5% to 37.8%.” The increase in the gaming tax was a known priority to some parties. In November, the VVD sought to raise 400 million euros for the country through an increase in the gaming tax, according to an analysis by the VVD’s Political Planning Central Planning Bureau.

industry reaction

Last week, KPMG’s report highlighted the negative impact a 1% increase in gaming taxes could have on the arcade sector. Since then, trade association VAN Kanspelen has warned of potential negative consequences. After the budget annex was unveiled, VAN Kanspelen reiterated his concern, expressing shock at the proposed tax increase. They highlighted the negative impact it could have on the industry.

NOGA (Netherlands Online Gambling Association) has also voiced their concerns, warning that the hike could jeopardize the legal market. As the impact of the new tax rate unfolds, industry stakeholders are likely to continue their advocacy against the hike, arguing for the need to balance fiscal targets with the sustainability of the Dutch gaming sector. 온라인 슬롯