Holland Casino has officially commenced construction on a new facility at Businesspark Ter Borch, following the devastation of its former Groningen location in a fire back in 2017.
The ground-breaking ceremony took place on Friday, bringing together company staff, construction partners, and local officials. Petra de Ruiter, the chief executive of Holland Casino, expressed that this project signifies a crucial advancement after years of planning.
"Today, together, we are taking an important step towards the future of Holland Casino Groningen," de Ruiter stated. "We are not only constructing a new building, but also creating a welcoming space for guests and a workplace where our employees can take pride."
Tynaarlo’s mayor, Marcel Thijsen, remarked on the development's importance for the region, suggesting it would foster growth in Businesspark Ter Borch. The venue’s location by the A7 is anticipated to facilitate access for visitors from Groningen, Drenthe, and nearby regions.
Holland Casino plans to center its new venue around sustainability, accessibility, and hospitality while ensuring it aligns with modern guest expectations. However, the company has not yet revealed the construction timeline, opening date, estimated capacity, or overall cost.
One attendant, employee Richard van den Broek, shared his enthusiasm, expressing relief at the project finally moving forward. "I can’t wait to walk in here," he said.
Holland Casino, a state-owned entity overseeing the regulated casino sector in the Netherlands, has been without a permanent Groningen location since the prior establishment was lost to the fire. In 2023, the company identified Businesspark Ter Borch as its chosen relocation site.
The new casino in northern Netherlands will be about a 40-minute drive from the German border. In comments made to iGB in September, de Ruiter highlighted that German visitors are a key audience for the company's land-based offerings. "German visitors are really interested because we have a different offer from most of the German casinos," she noted, explaining that their establishments feature table games, slots, bingo, and even poker on select evenings, complemented by dining and entertainment options for a full outing.
In parallel with this new land-based initiative, Holland Casino has also secured a five-year extension for its online gambling license, which will keep its online portfolio available in the regulated Dutch market until at least 2031. De Ruiter reiterated the company’s commitment to providing a secure and responsible online environment, emphasizing that player protection remains a top priority. She added that ensuring an attractive regulated market is essential to discourage players from turning to unregulated options that lack oversight and protection.
