Facing law reform and political unrest, Dutch gambling groups VNLOK and NOGA unite for stronger industry support.
Dutch iGaming trade bodies unite ahead of major law changes
Two major Dutch online gambling groups, Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK) and Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), will now work as one. This move comes ahead of massive rule changes in the Netherlands. VNLOK will take in all of NOGA’s members, forming a single trade group for legal gambling firms.
Both parties have agreed to the plan and will sort out the details in the weeks to come. After that, they will decide on the future of the new group together.
One voice for a changing market
NOGA was set up in 2019 by lawyer Peter-Paul de Goeij. It was made to speak for both local and foreign firms as the Dutch government worked on its gambling law, called KOA. That law was passed in 2020 and came into play in 2021. During this time, many firms also leaned on iGaming SEO services to help them adjust to the new rules and grow their online reach in the Dutch market.
VNLOK, on the other hand, was formed after KOA began to build strong standards for safe play. While both groups worked on similar goals, they often served different players. VNLOK stood for Dutch firms like the state-run Nederlandse Loterij. NOGA gave a voice to global names, though both backed rules for safer ads and responsible play.
NOGA and VNLOK see the value in joining The two groups have worked side by side for years. NOGA’s Vice-Chair, Sanna van Doorn, said this joint move will help build a strong and broad group. She believes it will help shape a safe and fair space for online play.
The merger is also meant to make it easier for firms to deal with the Dutch rules, which are now under review. Both groups have faced the same pressures and agree that this new step will help protect their shared goals.
Tax rise and unrest push operators out The law changes come at a time of political unrest in the Netherlands. The old government has fallen, and new elections are set for October. In this uncertain time, some parties want even more limits on online play.
One firm move already made is a tax hike. From January 1 2026, taxes on gambling income will rise from 30.5% to 38%. This change has already led some firms, like Tombola and LiveScore Group, to leave the Dutch market. They said the higher tax would make it hard to earn enough to stay.
Reform of KOA law sparks the change This merger happens just as the Dutch government plans to rewrite its gambling laws. Teun Struycken, the State Secretary for Legal Protection, wants to bring in a new bill by the end of 2025. This will replace KOA, which, some say, has not done enough to guard people from harm like debt or addiction.
The new plan will likely bring tougher rules, with extra care for people under 24. One key rule could be a full ban on high-risk games, such as online slots. As the market braces for these shifts, many operators have turned to an iGaming digital agency for help with compliance, player safety, and adapting their online strategies to the evolving legal space.
Trade groups slam lack of input Both VNLOK and NOGA have spoken out against the tax hike. They said the decision was made without asking those in the market. Firms listed in Europe are now watching closely to see what comes next. The new group formed by this merger hopes to have more say in how the laws take shape.
VNLOK Chair Björn Fuchs thanked NOGA for working together and said this was a smart and much-needed step. He believes one clear voice will help the industry stay strong and safe for all.