Netherlands raises gambling levy rates
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The Dutch Government has announced a series of changes to levies and fees ahead of the launch of the online market from 1 October, with the figures to last for the next 10 years.
The gambling levy for all providers of games of chance will be increased due to an uptick in the costs incurred by the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) gaming authority, related to regulating the new online market.
Online gambling operators will see the percentage of gross gaming revenue paid rise from 1.75% to 1.95% – an 11.4% rise. Some 0.25% of the charge will still be directed towards an addiction prevention fund.
Lotteries, slots and land-based casinos will also see slight rises in their levy contributions.
“Since its introduction on 1 April 2012, the gambling levy has not been indexed for price inflation and wage cost developments,” the Dutch Government said in a statement. “This has the consequence that the levy amounts and levy percentages are no longer sufficient to cover the costs of the KSA in the context of supervision and enforcement.
“The Gambling Act stipulates that the KSA is financed by the sector. This, in addition to supervision and enforcement, also applies to the development and implementation costs of the KSA in connection with the entry into force of the KOA (Remote Gambling) Act. These costs are higher than was foreseen when that law had yet to be passed.”
Meanwhile, licence fees will also be changed, with a reduction with immediate effect in most cases. Lotto and casino operators will see their processing fees drop from €48,000 to €28,000. Online gambling operators will see their fees remain the same at €48,000.
The Dutch Remote Gambling Act finally came into effect on 1 April with the market to launch on 1 October. KSA recently said it expects to grant 35 licences for online gambling ahead of October.
