Financial problems are growing for the Dutch state-owned land-based gambling monopoly Holland Casino.
The group posted a loss of €652,000 last year and came under further pressure in the first three months of this year. The organisation, which may soon be privatised, according to various government statements, has been hit by falling visitor numbers and may be unable to meet agreements with the banks this year.
Visitor numbers fell two per cent to 5.6 million last year while average spending per client fell by €2 to €96. The company said in November it would shed 400 of 3,000 jobs but now says additional cost-cutting measures will be necessary.
"Our focus is on further reducing costs and making the organisation more efficient and effective," chairman Dick Flink said. After years of vehement opposition to online gambling, in more recent times the Dutch government has started moving towards a regulated and licensed online gambling system and currently has a draft bill under review.
One spokesman said recently: "Holland is a small country and is leaning towards the Danish model in many aspects. Closed liquidity would simply not be feasible and dotcom operators would still keep a strong market share."
