Key Moments:
- The CDA party has indicated willingness to fully sell its stake in Holland Casino and other state-owned firms, which could release €23.7 billion in funds.
- JA21 is reviewing whether to sell holdings in ABN Amro, BNG Bank, and potentially Holland Casino, estimating proceeds of nearly €13.5 billion.
- Operators impacted by pandemic closures may qualify for partial refunds on gambling levies paid in 2020 and 2021, following an announcement by the Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit.
Parties Consider Asset Sales for Policy Funding
With the Dutch elections drawing near, the debate over the future of Holland Casino, a state-owned gaming operator, has grown more intense. As the new government is expected to direct funds to defense and education based on the manifestos of the ten largest political parties, leaders are examining ways to unlock significant financial resources. The Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) recently highlighted these priorities.
Among the measures proposed is the divestment of government equity in various state enterprises. The CDA party has outlined plans to completely transfer ownership of Holland Casino, as well as relinquish stakes in TenneT Germany and ABN Amro. This portfolio of sales could yield as much as €23.7 billion for government coffers, the CPB reported.
Additional Parties Mull Divestment Options
JA21 is another party considering adjustments to government holdings. Specifically, JA21 is contemplating share sales in ABN Amro and BNG Bank, and has also put Holland Casino on its watchlist. Combined, these potential transactions could generate an estimated €13.5 billion, according to party analyses.
While only a few parties have included Holland Casino share sales in their current financial blueprints, the idea remains under active discussion. The casino’s recent underperformance in 2024 has heightened doubts about its long-term prospects and added urgency to the conversation.
Operational Challenges and Fiscal Pressures
The difficulties facing Holland Casino have been exacerbated by a challenging post-pandemic recovery, with its venues struggling to regain ground after extended closures. The Dutch government’s planned increase of the gaming tax rate to 37.8% in 2026, a proposal the casino operator has firmly opposed, adds to operational pressures. Comparisons have been drawn to Casino Cosmopol in Sweden, which was also sold by the state following similar difficulties.
Regulator Offers Relief on Past Gambling Levies
In a move aimed at offsetting some of these financial strains, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) recently announced that land-based gambling venues forced to shut down during the pandemic period could be eligible for partial rebates on gambling levies paid during 2020 and 2021. This new policy delivers limited but timely support for operators navigating lingering challenges.
| Party | Assets Considered for Sale | Estimated Proceeds |
|---|---|---|
| CDA | Holland Casino, TenneT Germany, ABN Amro | €23.7 billion |
| JA21 | ABN Amro, BNG Bank, Holland Casino | €13.5 billion |
- Author
Daniel Williams
