Olympic Champions Rally Against Proposed Gambling Tax Hike in the Netherlands

A group of 67 retired Olympic champions, under the initiative of the NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation), has made a plea to the Dutch government, urging them to reconsider their plans to increase the tax on the gambling industry. Casino Nieuws reports that if the tax rate is raised, Dutch sports could suffer significant funding losses, amounting to tens of millions of euros, from gambling operators.

The coalition agreement published in mid-May included a proposal to raise the gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%. This plan has sparked alarm bells within the gambling industry and related sectors, including the sports world.

“We, (former) top athletes and top coaches, are very concerned. If the new cabinet’s plans go ahead, Dutch sport will soon lose at least 45 million euros per year. That would be disastrous for our sports clubs and associations, the breeding ground for top sport,” states the open letter from the former athletes to the government.

The NOC*NSF believes that increasing the tax rate will have severe consequences for sports, potentially leading to financial difficulties for many federations. The Olympic champions are urging the government to reconsider the decision to raise the gambling tax.

This news comes on the heels of a study that revealed 65% of Dutch residents had participated in gambling activities in the past 12 months.