The Gross Gaming Result (GSR) of land-based games of chance is rising again towards the 2019 level after the corona pandemic. The GSR of Holland Casino from casino games and slot machines, corrected for inflation, will be higher than the 2023 level for the first time in 2019. The GSR of slot machines in arcades and catering establishments will also be higher than in 2023 for the first time in 2019.
It is common to express the size of the gaming market in gross gaming result (GSR). This is the total stake minus prizes paid out. The gaming market distinguishes itself in this respect from almost all other markets where the size is usually expressed in turnover figures. This is not possible in a number of gaming sectors, for example in casino games and gaming machines.
explanation BSR
Income from gambling is a relatively small revenue model within the recreation sector. For land-based casinos, there is the state monopoly of Holland Casino. Slot machines can be found in arcades and as a sideline in recreation and catering companies.
- In 2023 there were 230 arcades. Most arcades and casinos are located in the west and south of the country. The number of player seats at gaming machines in arcades and catering establishments increased in 2023 compared to 2022.
- There were a total of 10.165 player places available catering vending machinesMost of the vending machines are located in the Randstad and in the south of Limburg, probably because these are border regions where many tourists come.
In 2022, the total market was still €3,3 billion (adjusted for inflation) and this increased to €4 billion in 2023. The sectors that grew the most are the two casino sectors (online with 34% and land-based with 19%). For the land-based casino sector (casinos and slot machines), this increase amounted to €250 million.
Income under pressure due to increase in gambling tax
When looking at the future of the gambling business model, there are some dark clouds on the horizon. This is mainly due to the increase in gambling tax. In 2024, the gambling tax amounted to 30,5 percent, compared to 30,1 percent in 2019. Only prizes greater than 449 euros are taxed. At the same time as the legalization of online gambling, the gambling tax was temporarily reduced, bringing it to 2021 percent at the end of 2022 and in 29. However, the threshold value of 449 euros was temporarily abolished. As of January 1, 2025, the rate was increased to 34,2 percent, with the intention to increase this further to 2026 percent in 37,8.
The largest gambling company in the Netherlands, Holland Casino, was already struggling to achieve profitable operations in 2024. A loss of €3,5 million was recorded in the first half of 2024. In October 204, it was decided to close the casino in Zandvoort for efficiency reasons.
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