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New research could pave the way for fresh rules on cash use, ID checks and playing limits.
Arco Rutte, the newly appointed gambling minister in the Netherlands, has signalled that reforms are on the horizon for the country’s land-based slot machine sector.
In a letter to the Dutch House of Representatives, Rutte said he would take into account five recent research reports on gambling, including one from the KSA that focused on the impact of tax increases. The latest study, conducted by the Dutch Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC), highlights how current slot machine regulations have barely changed since the year 2000.
Cash remains the most common choice
Despite advances in payment technology, cash continues to dominate play.
The report found that physical slot players, particularly older ones, still prefer using cash. Younger players are more likely to opt for contactless or card payments, but the reliance on cash raises concerns.
Risks such as money laundering and robbery were noted, yet health experts also warned against going fully cashless. They argued that handling physical money gives players a moment of pause, making them more aware of their spending.
“Introducing personalised player cards in the hospitality industry is also seen as difficult and expensive,”
the report stated. From an addiction prevention perspective, it added, cashless systems only bring benefits if cards are linked to player accounts that allow monitoring and limit-setting.
Mixed views on player identification
Calls for stronger ID checks face pushback from industry stakeholders.
At present, casinos and gaming halls require full ID verification, while hospitality venues only confirm age. The report identified this as a gap in current policy.
Prevention advocates supported introducing full ID at all slot locations, believing it would help curb problem gambling. However, others flagged high implementation costs and the risk of pushing players towards illegal, unregulated venues.
Researchers noted that mandatory accounts could deter players, warning that this barrier might shrink participation rather than support safer play.
Playing limits under discussion
Debate continues on whether current stake and loss caps are still fit for purpose.
Dutch slot machines currently operate under strict limits: a €0.20 stake cap and a maximum hourly loss of €40. These rules have not been adjusted since 2002, when the country first adopted the euro.
Some stakeholders argued for raising the limits to €0.50 per stake and €100 per hour, while others suggested giving players the ability to set their own limits. The latter option received more support, although questions remain over the cost of implementation.
The report also explored whether slot machines should carry more game content. At present, each device can only run a limited number of games. Some respondents called for greater variety, but most operators were not enthusiastic, citing costs and a lack of urgency.
A minister stepping into a shifting landscape
Rutte takes office as Dutch gambling regulation faces political and economic pressures.
Rutte replaces Teun Struycken, who resigned earlier this year amid broader political turmoil. Struycken had previously indicated that a new gambling bill could be presented by the end of 2025, with potential measures including a higher age limit for high-risk products like online slots.
For now, the shape of that legislation remains uncertain. Dutch politics is also in flux, with a snap election set for 29 October following the collapse of the coalition government in June.
One certainty, however, is tax reform. From 1 January 2026, the gambling tax rate will climb to 37.8% of GGR, building on the increase to 34.2% introduced at the start of this year.
With new leadership, rising taxes and a growing body of research, the Netherlands is preparing for change. The question is whether reforms to physical slots will be seen as overdue modernisation or as another layer of regulation that risks sending players elsewhere.
For a broader view of current frameworks, see our Gambling Regulations in the Netherlands.
How far should the Netherlands go in reshaping its slot machine rules, and will the balance between protection and participation be struck correctly?
Source: iGaming Business
