There are now enough people, industry organizations, works councils, who agree with increasing taxes will give losses . Also studies such as the KPMG report commissioned by the industry organization VAN Kansspelen leave no doubt about the consequences for the gaming arcades.
Holland Casino, our state-owned company, warns of the effects of the increase in gambling tax after a loss of €3.5 million in the first half of 2024. And no, they do not want to achieve better financial results at the expense of the duty of care.
The sports associations are also making themselves heard. “ A bloodbath for sports, ” KNWU director Leeser called it. Top athletes also sent an open letter to the new cabinet.
Who are the parties that loose the most?
In no particular order, but the biggest loser is clearly number 1.
01. Players, guests, gamblers, people who bet and participants in games of chance
02. Employees in the gambling industry
03. Casinos
04. Sports
The winners
Wait... there is a winner! Because who is benefitting from the increase in gambling tax? The illegal casinos!
Because more and more Dutch people – unfortunately and with great risks – gamble illegally when there is a less attractive offer of games of chance. And that is high risk gambling. No addiction prevention and and no guarantee that you will be paid your winnings.
The need to gamble is not going to decrease if the gambling tax goes up. Right?
Illegal casinos also use aggressive advertising that appeals to vulnerable groups such as young adults.
When I examine the debate on the regulation or legalization of hard drugs that has been conducted, I do not understand why the new cabinet is prepared to take these big risks when it comes to gambling. After all; through the legislation and regulations we want to combat crime and all legal providers have a duty of care. Addiction prevention should have all the attention and priority.
Mayor Halsema organized the Dealing with Drugs conference on January 26, 2024 , with Jellinek as a partner. What do mayors and addiction care think of the risk that is now being taken when it comes to gambling? I hear no worried signals, no questions, no doubts. Or did I miss something?
What nobody wants is more people getting into trouble because of gambling. It is also terrible for family members and friends to see their loved one, father, child or friend lose everything because of gambling.
Let us in the Netherlands continue to protect the players, guests, gamblers, bettors, and participants in games of chance. After all, this should never be an issue. How do we do that best?
- By having clear and unambiguous legislation;
- Through proper monitoring of compliance;
- By combating and tackling illegal gambling;
- By combating crime;
- By maintaining a safe, responsible and attractive range of games of chance;
- Through a healthy gambling industry that invests in addiction prevention;
- By combining knowledge and experience;
- By being honest about the risks of gambling;
- By basing ourselves on facts and research.
So, let's not risk raising gambling taxes when we already know for sure that everyone loses, except the illegal casinos.
Yvon Jansma - this letter has been sent to Casino Nieuws - Read it here