The Dutch government has announced an increase in gambling taxes from 30.5% to 34.2%, effective in 2025. This change is expected to cost Holland Casino an additional €30 million annually. To cope with the financial impact, the state-owned casino operator is implementing various measures, including raising prices on food and beverages and testing changes to game odds, such as adding a double zero to the roulette wheel.

Adjusting to Higher Taxation

Earlier this year, Holland Casino stated that it could not pass these additional costs onto gamblers without resorting to extreme measures like aggressive advertising or reducing efforts to prevent gambling addiction. This statement caused significant public debate, given that Holland Casino is fully owned by the Dutch government. CEO Petra de Ruiter has since described these remarks as "clumsy" and clarified that the company is instead focusing on more balanced cost-saving strategies.

Cost-Cutting and Revenue-Increasing Measures

To absorb the additional tax burden, Holland Casino plans to cut approximately 20% of its headquarters' operational costs, leading to job losses. At the same time, the company aims to generate additional revenue by increasing restaurant prices and adjusting game odds.

Double zero table

One of the most controversial changes is the introduction of a double zero on the roulette table. Traditionally, European roulette features 36 numbers plus a single zero. By adding an extra zero, the odds of winning on a single-number bet decrease from 1 in 37 to 1 in 38, slightly favoring the house. While this adjustment could bring in more revenue, a spokesperson for Holland Casino acknowledges that players may simply leave sooner if they experience lower chances of winning, potentially limiting the expected financial gain.