Holland Casino to Remain Closed Until September

Holland Casino and land-based gaming industry association VAN Kansspelen have noted the measures taken by the Dutch government to a reopening of the casinos by September 1.

As one of the few sectors in our country, they have to keep their doors closed for no less than 6 months, with all its consequences. Players nowhere to go and there are more than 8000 employees at home for months.

Suppliers of this sector are also extremely affected by this long closure. In addition, such a long closure now entails great risks, because players now have to seek refuge from illegal activities both on location and online. In recent weeks, the police have had to intervene hard at various locations in the country.

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“The long lock hold of the whole sector is in our view irresponsible given our society providing safe and responsible gaming. It causes enormous economic damage to the entire sector. We understand that we should not be the first to open again, but to remain closed for another 4 months is really unwise and unnecessary. We are ready by 1 June at the latest to be able to open our branches fully responsibly in accordance with government guidelines,” Erwin Lambaart, CEO of Holland Casino, said.

“We are very disappointed with the news that the entertainment centers may only open on 1 September. Recently, a lot of work has been done on an extensive protocol to open quickly again. In addition, there has been intensive contact with various ministries. It seems like last night’s decision was made based on insufficient knowledge of the sector. The generosity promised in the press conference is only sufficient if 100% of the costs are reimbursed. We have little confidence that this will also be the offer. We can open responsibly again, as advised by the Ministries of Justice and Security and Economic Affairs,” Frits Huffnagel, Chairman of VAN Kansspelen, said.