At the recent SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon, one of the defining moments was a high-level panel on the future of the Dutch regulated gambling market. Representing Hard Rock Casino Netherlands, our CEO, Cristiano Blanco, joined peers from leading operators to engage in a candid discussion on regulation, player protection and market sustainability.
The conversation focused on two major proposed interventions in the Dutch market: raising the minimum age for high-risk games from 18 to 21, and introducing overarching play-limits across the regulated market. While acknowledging the intent behind these measures, Mr. Blanco emphasised that regulatory policy must also account for unintended consequences— in particular, growth of activity outside the regulated domain. As he noted: “If a measure drives players into the unregulated market, then the net effect is negative for both protection and market integrity.”
One of the most compelling alternative proposals from the panel emphasised a shift in focus from broad-based limits for every player, to sharing risk-analyses across licensed operators in order to identify and support vulnerable players effectively. CEO Blanco and his co-panellists stressed that responsible gaming is not simply about universal constraints, but about intelligence-led intervention.
For Hard Rock Casino Netherlands, this debate is not academic. It reflects our deeply held commitment to building a regulated Dutch market that delivers thrilling entertainment, commercial success and the highest standards of player safety and integrity. Under Cristiano Blanco’s leadership, the company is actively engaged in the regulatory dialogue – advocating for solutions that reinforce the regulated channel, safeguard players, and ensure a level playing field for all licensed operators.
Looking ahead to the next five years, our CEO offered a measured expectation: while consolidation in the market seems probable, the regulated sector remains the only viable long-term path. Hard Rock Casino Netherlands is positioned to lead in that future—not only as a brand, but as a responsible market-participant shaping the landscape for the benefit of players, partners and society.
We will continue to share updates on our regulatory engagement, innovation in player protection, and our commercial evolution. Our guiding principle remains clear: build a sustainable, responsible gaming business that sets the standard for the Dutch industry.