The Netherlands’ two main online gambling associations—VNLOK (Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders) and NOGA (Netherlands Online Gambling Association)—have agreed to merge, bringing an end to a dual-lobbying structure in the country’s iGaming sector. Licensed NOGA members will now become part of VNLOK, forming a single, consolidated trade association.

According to VNLOK, formal agreements are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. The transition marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, especially as the industry faces mounting pressure from Dutch lawmakers and the public.

Leaders Call Merger Logical and Timely

NOGA’s vice-chairman Sanna van Doorn 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.”

VNLOK chairman Björn Fuchs echoed that sentiment: “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.”

Regulatory Pressures and Industry Context

This consolidation comes as the Dutch government prepares to roll out new legislative changes aimed at tightening online gambling regulations. A review of the Gambling Act, initiated in September 2024 as required by law, concluded that the current regulatory framework failed to ensure a safe and sustainable market.

In response, Minister for Legal Protection Teun Struycken confirmed in December that the government would introduce stricter rules, including tighter age restrictions for high-risk gambling products and stronger enforcement powers for the national regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

The merger also follows the Dutch government’s previous moves to ban untargeted gambling advertising (July 2023) and raise the gambling tax rate to 37.8% in the latest coalition agreement.

Collaborative Past and Shared Initiatives

Before the merger, NOGA and VNLOK had already partnered on initiatives aimed at improving industry safety and oversight. Notably, the two launched a joint hotline in late 2024 designed to report and combat illegal gambling platforms operating within the Netherlands.

The announcement also follows the departure of NOGA’s Acting Director Eric Konings in January 2025, who left the organization after seven years.

With this move, VNLOK will serve as the unified representative body for licensed online gambling operators in the Netherlands. The combined organization is expected to be more effective in engaging with lawmakers, regulators, and other key stakeholders at a time when the future of the Dutch online gambling industry is under intense scrutiny.