The Netherlands’ Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), recently published the 2023 Gambling Market Scan, offering valuable insights into the nation’s gambling landscape, with a particular focus on the transformative impact of online gambling. The report explores the dynamics of a market that underwent significant changes in 2022, marking the first full year of legal online gambling in the country.
2022: A Year of Remarkable Growth:
In 2022, the Dutch gambling market witnessed a remarkable surge, reporting a total gaming gross result (BSR) of €3.4 billion, representing an impressive €1.4 billion increase from the previous year. This substantial growth was influenced by several factors, notably the demand for land-based casinos and arcades post-Covid-19. However, the most significant driver of change was the emergence of online gambling.
Online Gambling’s Pivotal Role:
Online gambling took center stage in 2022, constituting 31% of the year’s BSR, while land-based gambling represented the remaining 69%. Among the online offerings, casino games were the most popular, contributing to 56% of the BSR, with lotteries accounting for 10%, including 8% online.
A Comparative Lens: 2018 to 2022:
To appreciate the magnitude of this transformation, a comparative analysis with statistics from 2018 is telling. The Dutch land-based gambling sector was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, with revenues taking a hit. Although land-based revenues are rebounding, they have not yet reached the BSR levels observed in 2018 and 2019. In contrast, the online gambling sector has experienced substantial growth since legalization.
Changing Consumer Spending Patterns:
The report sheds light on changing consumer spending patterns. In 2022, the average Dutch adult spent €258 on gambling activities, a notable increase from €158 in 2021 and €221 in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Interestingly, the Netherlands aligns with the broader European trend of higher expenditure on land-based gambling compared to online gambling.
Comparative European Insights:
Lastly, when compared to other European countries, Dutch citizens spent 14% less on gambling on average in 2022. This statistic reflects the unique characteristics of the Dutch gambling market in the broader European context.
The 2023 Gambling Market Scan paints a compelling picture of a Dutch gambling market in the midst of transformation. The rise of online gambling is the standout feature, reshaping the industry’s landscape and driving substantial increases in revenue. As the market continues to evolve, the Netherlands remains an intriguing case study within the larger European gambling landscape.