Holland Casino has officially kicked off construction of a new venue at Businesspark Ter Borch, a development that comes after the devastating fire that destroyed its former site in Groningen back in 2017.
The ground-breaking ceremony held on Friday saw a gathering of employees, construction partners, and local officials. Holland Casino's CEO, Petra de Ruiter, remarked on the importance of this milestone after a lengthy period of planning.
"Today, together, we are taking an important step towards the future of Holland Casino Groningen," she stated. "Here, we are not only building a new building, but also a place where guests feel welcome and where our employees can work with pride."
Mayor of Tynaarlo, Marcel Thijsen, highlighted the significance of the new development for the region, suggesting it could boost the growth of Businesspark Ter Borch due to its strategic placement next to the A7 highway, thus enhancing accessibility for visitors from Groningen, Drenthe, and nearby areas.
Holland Casino has emphasized that the new venue will prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and hospitality, and it will be designed to meet the modern expectations of guests. However, details regarding the construction timeline, expected opening date, capacity, and budget remain unannounced.
One of the employees, Richard van den Broek, expressed his excitement at the ceremony, stating he felt "relieved that it is finally starting and can't wait to walk in here."
The operator of the Netherlands' regulated casino market, Holland Casino has been without a permanent venue in Groningen since the fire. In 2023, it identified Businesspark Ter Borch as its chosen location for relocation. The new site is approximately a 40-minute drive from the German border, and de Ruiter mentioned in a September conversation with iGB that German tourists represent a key audience for their land-based services.
"German visitors are really interested because we have a different offer from most of the German casinos," she explained.
"Our land-based casinos feature table games, slots, bingo, and poker at times, plus restaurants and entertainment options. From what we've gathered from our German guests, it offers a more enjoyable experience compared to some German casinos."
In tandem with the development of the new site, Holland Casino has secured a five-year extension for its online gambling license, ensuring its digital offerings will be available in the regulated Dutch market until at least 2031.
De Ruiter reiterated the company's commitment to providing a safe and responsible online gambling environment, placing player protection as a top priority.
"It's also vital that the regulated market remains attractive enough to deter players from unregulated providers, who lack proper supervision and protection," she concluded.
