Unions Warn of Casino Crisis: Proposed Tax Hike Could Undermine Holland Casino’s Mission and Financial Stability!

The Union, alongside another labor group, has approached The Hague to voice their concerns over the planned tax hike, which is anticipated to elevate the gambling tax rate to 37.8%. This proposed increase is coming at a particularly challenging time for Holland Casino, which recently reported a notable downturn in its financial performance for the first half of 2024. 

The casino operator, which had previously reported a profit of €17.2 million during the same period last year, has now experienced a loss of €3.5 million. The company's financial difficulties have been attributed to a combination of rising operational costs and a 1% increase in gambling tax that was implemented earlier. The increased tax burden, coupled with other financial pressures, has led to significant concern among the casino's management.

Petra de Ruiter, CEO of Holland Casino, has voiced her apprehensions regarding the potential 37.8% tax rate, highlighting that such a substantial increase could compel the casino to take drastic measures, including reducing prize money. De Ruiter described these potential measures as "unacceptable" and "irresponsible" from a governmental perspective, particularly when considering the impact on the casino’s ability to invest in gambling addiction prevention initiatives.

The unions have reminded policymakers of the foundational purpose of Holland Casino, which was established to help combat gambling addiction. They argue that if the casino's financial stability continues to deteriorate due to the higher tax rate, it could undermine the original mission of the casino. The unions emphasize that the ultimate objective of addressing gambling addiction could be compromised if the casino’s position becomes increasingly precarious.

In summary, the unions’ appeal to The Hague underscores the broader implications of the proposed tax increase, stressing that financial strain on Holland Casino could not only affect its operational viability but also its capacity to fulfill its social responsibility goals.