The Dutch iGaming trade associations VNLOK and NOGA will merge into a single body to help members navigate the forthcoming regulatory overhaul of online gambling in the Netherlands.
The merger was agreed last Friday by VNLOK (Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders – Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers) and NOGA (the Netherlands Online Gambling Association). As announced, NOGA’s membership will be integrated under the banner of VNLOK, creating a unified Dutch trade association for licensed businesses operating in the Netherlands.
Media were informed that: “In the coming weeks, both parties will formalise the agreements, after which the future of the association will be jointly determined.”
VNLOK and NOGA combine forces
NOGA was founded in 2019 by Dutch lawyer Peter-Paul de Goeij, who aimed to represent the interests of both foreign and domestic operators as the Kamer concluded its decade-long effort to legislate the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), passed in 2020 and implemented in October 2021.
The younger association, VNLOK, was established in 2021 following the launch of the KOA market, to implement standards and strengthen cooperative policies for a nascent online gambling regime— that was placed under immediate regulatory scrutiny by Kamer parties.
Operating separately, VNLOK and NOGA represented largely different segments of the Dutch online gambling market. VNLOK was formed by domestic operators, including the state-owned Nederlandse Loterij.
NOGA, by contrast, represented international operators—but some overlap emerged, most notably through BetCity.nl, which became part of NOGA member Entain following its 2022 acquisition. While their memberships differ, both associations have aligned on key policy issues such as advertising standards and responsible gambling.
Sanna van Doorn, Vice-Chair of NOGA, stated: “The board of NOGA is pleased that, after a long period of cooperation, we are now entering the next phase as a trade association together with VNLOK.
“We are convinced that this will create a broad and solid trade association that will continue to make a relevant contribution to a structurally healthy and safe online gambling market in the Netherlands.”
Merger in an overhaul’s shadow
The merger comes as the Dutch government is committed to a complete overhaul of KOA legislation, under the mandate of State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken.
Struycken aims to present a new Remote Gambling Bill by the end of 2025, replacing KOA, which independent evaluations have found to have failed in its core objective to “protect citizens against the risks of gambling, such as addiction or debt.”
Notably, Struycken has confirmed that the reforms will include stricter protections for individuals under the age of 24, including a proposed ban on high-risk games such as online slots.
The KOA reform effort unfolds amid the political uncertainty following the collapse of the Conservative Quartet coalition, with the Dutch electorate set to return to the polls on 28 October. With no clear party majority, a new coalition government will need to be formed in the Kamer.
Across the political spectrum, various parties have submitted motions calling for new restrictions on online gambling to be considered by Struycken.
Though not yet implemented, the outgoing Conservative Coalition has agreed to a tax increase on all gambling income from 30.5% to 38%, effective 1 January 2026.
The 2024 announcement of the tax hike prompted operators, including Tombola (Flutter Entertainment) and LiveScore Group, to relinquish their Dutch licences, arguing the increase would render the market commercially unviable.
Both NOGA and VNLOK criticised the Coalition’s tax policy, which they said was developed without consultation from licensed operators. European-listed gambling firms continue to monitor Dutch regulatory developments closely.
Björn Fuchs, Chair of VNLOK, commented: “On behalf of the board of VNLOK, I would like to express our gratitude for the dialogue and efforts of the board of NOGA, which make this joint next step possible.
“A necessary and logical step, which gives the online gambling industry one clear, united voice towards all relevant stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming the NOGA members to VNLOK soon.”
