The announcement has sent shockwaves through the gambling industry, leading to strong reactions from various operators and industry associations. The Nederlandse Online Gambling Association (NOGA), the Association of Gaming Operators in the Netherlands (VAN Kansspelen), and the Dutch Association of Lottery Providers (VNLOK) jointly expressed their deep concerns over the proposed tax increases. In a statement, they highlighted that while the government’s phased approach indicates an acknowledgment of potential adverse effects on gambling policies and revenue, it fails to reassure stakeholders about the long-term viability of regulated gambling.

“We react with great concern to the government’s intention to increase the gambling tax,” the associations stated. They emphasize that the significant rise in tax burdens could lead to a mass exodus of operators from the regulated market, resulting in reduced tax revenues and an uptick in illegal gambling activities. These outcomes are contrary to the Dutch government’s objectives of ensuring consumer protection and preventing gambling-related problems such as addiction, fraud, and crime.

Alarmingly, the organizations anticipate that these tax changes will drive some consumers toward unregulated and potentially dangerous platforms, creating a public health risk while posing a challenge to the established order aimed at safeguarding players.

Read also: New Botswana Gambling Equipment Standards Now Available for Purchase

Earlier in the week, Flutter Entertainment—one of the largest gambling operators globally—announced its decision to exit the Dutch market by early next month, citing these tax increases as a key factor in their departure. The company remarked on its website that it would be more prudent to invest resources in larger or emerging markets rather than contend with the increasingly stringent regulations and tax burdens in the Netherlands.

Holland Casino, the state-owned gambling entity, previously warned about the ramifications of the expected tax hikes during its mid-year financial results announcement. Petra de Ruiter, CEO of Holland Casino, described the impending 7.3% increase as “irresponsible.” With the total tax burden potentially nearing 50%, De Ruiter cautioned that this financial pressure diminishes their operational viability, creating conditions where winning back customers could require ethically questionable measures or reduced prize payouts.

She voiced her concerns about the broader implications of this tax strategy, stating, “Unlike supermarkets, we are not able to pass on price increases properly. The planned investments in our prevention policy will also come under pressure.”

The associations representing operators stress the urgent need for the government to reconsider its financial objectives in the context of the overarching gambling policy. They called for a balanced dialogue between the state and industry stakeholders, ensuring that the goals of fostering a safe and regulated gambling environment do not sacrifice financial stability.

As the government moves forward with its budget plan, the fate of the Dutch gambling market hangs in the balance. Stakeholders from across the industry are left grappling with potentially significant changes that could reshape the landscape of legalized gambling in the Netherlands. The questions remain: Will the government heed the warning of industry leaders? And at what cost will these new tax policies come? Only time will reveal the true impact of these fiscal strategies on the regulated gaming sector and its ability to protect consumers.

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Allwyn International has released its preliminary unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2024, reporting a 28% year-on-year increase in total revenue, reaching €2.11bn ($2.3bn). 

This growth was primarily driven by contributions from the United Kingdom segment, consolidated from February 2023 and the Allwyn LS Group, consolidated from March 2023.

Excluding these contributions, the company saw a 3% year-on-year growth in total revenue. Revenue from gaming activities (GGR) increased by 27% to €2.02bn, while net revenue rose by 16% to €940.9m. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 3% to €357.8m, though the adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 4.7 percentage points to 38.0%.

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Capital expenditure (CAPEX) saw a significant rise of 84% year-on-year, totalling €45.0m, mainly due to increased investment in the United Kingdom to support Allwyn’s transformation plans for the UK National Lottery.

In Q1 2023, Allwyn completed the acquisition of Camelot UK, the operator of the UK National Lottery until 31 January 2024 and Allwyn LS Group, the operator of the Illinois Lottery. These acquisitions have impacted the company’s consolidated metrics and comparability with previous periods.

CEO Robert Chvatal commented: “I am pleased to report that 2024 has started well, with solid operational and financial performance in the first quarter, supported by our ongoing focus on our growth strategies. Q1 also included a key milestone in Allwyn’s history, with our successful start of operation of the UK National Lottery under a new 10-year licence.”

In addition to organic growth, Allwyn pursued inorganic growth strategies. The company announced plans to acquire a 70% ownership interest in Instant Win Gaming (IWG), a supplier of online instant games, to enhance its content offerings. This transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024.

Financially, Allwyn raised €500m through a bank facility in March 2024 and syndicated a $450m Term Loan B facility. As of 31 March 2024, the company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio stood at 2.1x.

Allwyn has also continued its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company partnered with the Peace Race for the second consecutive year, supporting the cycling tour aimed at promoting peaceful cooperation within central Europe.

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For the first time, a Nightly Progressive Jackpot sponsored by BetMGM will be added to a contestant’s winnings if they solve the show’s Bonus Puzzle.

During gameplay, a BetMGM-branded “Double Jackpot” wedge on the Wheel will give contestants the chance to double the Nightly Progressive Jackpot if they win the Bonus Round.

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Sony Pictures Television and BetMGM have collaborated to integrate BetMGM branding into Wheel of Fortune’s “Big Money Week” with on-set placements such as co-branded graphics displayed on the center monitor, in-show displays of BetMGM’s logo on host Pat Sajak’s monitor, two BetMGM Double Jackpot Wheel wedges, and a BetMGM jackpot ticker above the puzzle board during each episode.

Home viewers can participate by registering at www.wheeloffortune.com for a chance to win the Nightly Progressive Jackpot, regardless of whether the in-show contestant solves the Bonus Puzzle. If a contestant wins the Double Jackpot Wedge in the Bonus Round, registered viewers will have a chance to win double the jackpot amount.

Wheel of Fortune-themed slot games have been a staple on casino floors for over 25 years. In March 2023, BetMGM and IGT launched Wheel of Fortune Online Casino, North America’s first brand-led online casino.

Wheel of Fortune’s 41st season premiered in September 2023, maintaining its status as one of the highest-rated syndicated game shows, reaching 21.5 million unique viewers each week and averaging over 9.1 million viewers nightly.

As BetMGM continues to expand into new jurisdictions, responsible gaming education remains a priority. BetMGM provides resources to help customers play responsibly, including GameSense, a program developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through GameSense integration within BetMGM’s platforms, customers can access responsible gaming tools directly.

“BetMGM is honored to join Wheel of Fortune during this milestone week and be a part of a game show that has earned a place in American television history,” said BetMGM’s CEO Adam Greenblatt. “Big Money Week’ is a great collaboration, giving contestants and viewers at home the opportunity to experience the excitement of a progressive jackpot.”

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The rules by the GC are set to be implemented in four stages until completion in February 2025, while the BGC’s Code on Customer Checks, written jointly with the GC, is a voluntary financial assessment scheme. Both have been created ahead of the implementation of the British government’s White Paper.

The new rules set out by the GC, which include financial vulnerability checks and frictionless financial risk assessments, are as follows:

• Light-touch financial vulnerability checks: These checks have been designed to reduce cases of players engaging with gambling when bankrupt, spending more than their annual or monthly salaries or spending excessively in a short period of time.

• Frictionless financial risk assessments: The GC will assess players’ risk of financial harm in a pilot test, which will include using data from gambling companies and credit reference agencies. The assessment is not being rolled out in a live environment during its pilot and neither the financial risk assessments or financial vulnerability checks will impact consumer credit ratings. The pilot is set to run for six months.  

• Reducing intensity and increasing consumer understanding of online products: This will see the removal of autoplay, ‘turbo’ and ‘slam stop’ features, casino spin speeds less than five seconds (bar peer-to-peer poker), multi-game play and ‘audio or visual celebrations of returns less than or equal to stake.’ These will be implemented on 17 January 2025.  

Read Also: Gambling Authority Botswana Launches a Responsible Gambling Self Help Portal!

• Direct marketing: companies must provide opt-in options for direct marketing related to specific products and channels to give customers more control over the advertising they are exposed to. This will be implemented on 17 January 2025 and applies only to online gambling.

• Age verification: All land-based operations must conduct age verification test purchasing and will be required to age verify anyone who appears to be under 25, as opposed to under 21. This will be implemented on 30 August 2024. 

• Personal management licences: Those with a Personal Management Licence have had their expected management roles clarified and extended. These provisions will be implemented on 30 November 2024. 

The new Betting and Gaming Council rules!

The voluntary Code on Customer Checks sets out guidelines for operator interactions when players make rolling net deposits of £5,000+ monthly (£2,500+ for those aged 18-24) or £25,000 annually. Currently, those wishing to engage with the latter may have to provide financial documentation to prove they are not at risk, though they are not required to do so in regard to the former. 

The new code is set to rectify this. As such, operators will be required to: 

• Carry out one or more vulnerability assessments on those who meet the above threshold or the threshold outlined by the GC’s financial vulnerability checks.  

• Conduct questionnaires, request deposit limits, send activity statements and engage in telephone and live chat interactions with those deemed vulnerable.  

• Conduct risk assessments on those wishing to deposit £5,000+ monthly, which may include income or wealth checks.  

• Conduct risk assessments on those wishing to deposit £25,000+ annually, which will often include document requests such as Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). 

• Implement intervention measures for those seen to be at risk. 

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