On 24th May, Finance Minister Marnix van Rij unveiled an evaluation of the state’s stake in NLO, stirring speculation on the possible privatisation of the state-owned enterprise. This evaluation, part of a seven-year review cycle for state assets, highlighted the readiness of the NLO for privatisation from a financial and organisational perspective.
NLO itself conveyed support for the move, stating it saw no enhanced value in state ownership in safeguarding public interests. Instead, it perceives privatisation as an opportunity to accelerate growth, innovate, and expand commercial activities, thereby maintaining its success in the gambling sector.
The Road Ahead: Evaluating Options
However, the Dutch Ministry maintains that further exploration is necessary before any definitive decision. It will conduct a thorough evaluation jointly with the Ministry of Justice and Security to understand the need for legislative and regulatory adjustments that may be required for successful privatisation.
A key component of this future investigation is to determine how public interests can be safeguarded in the event of privatisation. Additionally, the financial implications of this shift will be scrutinised.
Implications for the iGaming Industry
The proposed privatisation of NLO will have significant ripple effects in the iGaming industry:
- Market Competition: Privatisation may lead to heightened competition, potentially fostering a more dynamic and innovative lottery market in the Netherland, which might ignite following 2023 iGaming trends.
- Legislative Changes: A revision of existing gambling regulations will likely follow privatisation, potentially shaping the future of the Dutch iGaming industry.
- Public Interest Safeguarding: New measures may need to be introduced to ensure public interests remain protected, setting new benchmarks for responsible gaming.
The Dutch Ministry’s exploration into privatising NLO, and possibly Holland Casino, signifies a remarkable shift in their approach towards state-owned gambling entities, marking a new chapter for the Dutch betting sector and potentially revolutionising the European iGaming industry.
