The Netherlands’ path toward tighter gambling regulations has hit a major roadblock after the country’s coalition government collapsed. The political rupture was triggered when Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right PVV, stormed out of an emergency meeting and pulled support for the ruling coalition. His departure stemmed from a dispute over immigration policy, which the other three coalition partners refused to back.
With Wilders out, Prime Minister Dick Schoof now heads a caretaker government made up of VVD, NSC, and BBB. While elections are expected later this year, nothing will move until parliament returns from its summer recess on September 1. In the meantime, key reforms—especially in the gambling sector—are likely to be shelved.
“The last thing we want now is postponement, but it is unavoidable in some cases,” Schoof told lawmakers.
Reform Progress Halted
Since the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) in 2021, the Dutch iGaming market has expanded significantly. Online gambling gross revenue hit €1.1 billion in 2024, and the number of licensed operators has grown from 10 to 30.
This boom also brought increased scrutiny. Rising concerns over addiction and black market activity prompted successive Legal Protections Ministers—first Franc Weerwind, then Teun Struycken—to propose major reforms.
Weerwind set the stage with proposals on affordability checks and a ban on untargeted ads. Struycken, appointed by the NSC, picked up the mantle and broadened restrictions to include age limits for certain games and bans on influencers, social media, and streaming promotions.
Yet, with the government now in limbo, much of this progress is at risk of stalling. Without a sitting majority, significant policy decisions are off the table until a new administration takes over.
A Swing in Direction?
What happens next depends heavily on the outcome of the next election. Schoof’s caretaker government includes VVD, NSC, and BBB. If these parties maintain their support, a new coalition featuring PVV is likely—one that could lean heavily into populist rhetoric, including on gambling issues.
On the flip side, a left-leaning coalition between GroenLinks (PvdA) and Democrats 66 (D66) is also in the mix. If that bloc takes power, the focus could shift toward using gambling tax revenue to fund social programs. Such a shift would hit operators hard, especially with the looming tax increase to 37.8% by 2026.
Schoof vs. Wilders: PM Battle Brewing
In response to Wilders’ exit, Schoof labeled the move “irresponsible and unnecessary,” and quickly asked for the resignations of all PVV-nominated MPs. Still, he pledged that the caretaker government would continue serving the public within the limits set by parliament.
Both Wilders and Schoof have indicated they’re eyeing the prime minister role post-election, setting up a contest that could reshape not just immigration and social policy, but the entire regulatory landscape—including gambling.
Industry Outlook
Until a new government forms, the future of Dutch gambling regulation remains uncertain. Key proposals—like affordability checks, ad bans, and age restrictions—are frozen. And depending on the makeup of the next coalition, the industry could either face stricter controls or enjoy a more relaxed approach under populist leadership.
One thing is clear: the sector’s direction now hinges not on regulators, but on voters.
