In May 2025, the State Secretary for Finance decided to review Nederlandse Loterij’s role as a state-owned enterprise in the long term.

In a letter to the House of Representatives on Monday, June 8, 2026, the State Secretary for Finance announced that a follow-up investigation will be conducted into state shareholding and possible privatization.

Below is Nederlandse Loterij’s response to this decision. Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij: “It is positive that the Cabinet is taking the next step and reviewing the shareholding structure in Nederlandse Loterij, thereby further exploring the possibility of privatization. Nederlandse Loterij aims to be the most responsible gambling provider. We can be and remain that if we can consistently compete with international competitors in the Dutch market for lotteries and online gambling. It is precisely to maintain this position that Nederlandse Loterij sees benefits in becoming independent.

The letter from the State Secretary leaves open the timeline for the follow-up investigation and parliamentary decision-making, whereas clarity on this subject would be beneficial for all parties involved. Nederlandse Loterij hopes that this timeline will be further concretized.

The decision regarding state participation in Nederlandse Loterij is and remains a political matter, as Nederlandse Loterij has always emphasized. With a safe and responsible range of gambling options, Nederlandse Loterij will continue to fulfill its social responsibilities—regardless of the shareholder structure. Because participating is fun, but it must also remain fun.”