The new coalition government in the Netherlands intends to increase the gambling tax rate from 30.5% to 37.8%. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Four parties – led by the controversial right-wing politician Geert Wilders – have come together to form a new coalition government in the Netherlands after a six-month impasse, saying they are committed to making significant changes.

would generate an estimated €202m ($219m) in additional revenue

One of the proposals in the cards is increasing the tax rate on gambling operators from 30.5% to 37.8%, which would generate an estimated €202m ($219m) in additional revenue for the government each year.

The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) has spoken out about the possible change, saying that it jeopardizes the legal sector and will drive more people to black market operators. This, in turn, could put more people at risk of suffering damage from a lack of player protection.

Operators already have concerns about a push to prohibit all forms of online gambling ads and even a ban on certain “high-risk” products like slot games. These measures are now in front of Minister for Legal Protection Franc Weerwind, who will decide if they’re appropriate or too extreme.