Gambling operator JVH Gaming, which runs Jack’s Casino arcades, plans to close 25 locations and cut headquarters staff due to rising gambling taxes.
This year, the gambling tax increased by one percentage point and is set to rise from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025 and to 37.8% in 2026, aiming to generate €200 million annually for the treasury.
CEO Erik Olders described the tax hike as a “bitter pill,” adding that the closures are necessary to manage the financial strain. The company is also grappling with rising costs for rent, energy, and wages, as well as lingering impacts from the coronavirus crisis.
JVH Gaming, which manages 87 arcades under Jack’s Casino, Flash Casino, and Flamingo Casino brands, earned €184 million last year after gambling taxes. Closures will primarily affect Flash-branded locations, and Flamingo Casino will cease operations. Similarly, Janshen-Hahnraths Group, managing Fair Play Casino, cut 100 jobs earlier this year after sustained losses.
In October, Holland Casino Group confirmed its historic Zandvoort branch – the country’s oldest, will close next year.
