Holland Casino has officially commenced construction of a new venue at Businesspark Ter Borch, a project arising from the destruction of its previous Groningen location in a 2017 fire.
The ground-breaking ceremony took place on Friday, bringing together company employees, construction partners, and local officials. Petra de Ruiter, the chief executive of Holland Casino, described this initiative as a crucial leap forward after years of planning. "Today, together, we are taking an important step towards the future of Holland Casino Groningen," she remarked.
De Ruiter added that the new venue would create a welcoming environment for guests and a source of pride for employees.
Tynaarlo's mayor, Marcel Thijsen, emphasized the significance of this development for the region and its potential to boost Businesspark Ter Borch's growth. The site’s convenient location next to the A7 highway is expected to attract visitors from Groningen, Drenthe, and nearby areas.
Holland Casino has asserted that the new venue will prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and hospitality, with a design that caters to contemporary guest preferences. However, the company has not yet provided details regarding the timeline for construction, anticipated opening date, or costs associated with the project.
Attending the ceremony, employee Richard van den Broek expressed his relief that construction was finally underway, stating, "I can’t wait to walk in here."
Following the 2017 fire, Holland Casino has operated without a permanent venue in Groningen. In 2023, the Businesspark Ter Borch was chosen as the preferred site for its relocation. This new casino location, situated in northern Netherlands, is about a 40-minute drive from the German border. De Ruiter explained that German visitors are a significant demographic for Holland Casino's land-based operations.
"German visitors are really interested because we have a different offer from most of the German casinos. If you look at our land-based casinos, it’s table games, slots, in some cases bingo, and, on some evenings, poker. But there are also restaurants and entertainment. It offers an afternoon or evening out that my understanding in conversations with our German guests indicates is more entertaining than some options in Germany," she noted.
Alongside the construction of the new site, Holland Casino has secured a five-year extension on its online gambling license, ensuring its digital offerings remain available in the regulated Dutch market until at least 2031. De Ruiter reaffirmed Holland Casino's commitment to providing a safe and responsible online environment, prioritizing player protection. She stressed the importance of maintaining an attractive regulated market to deter players from seeking unregulated options where oversight is absent.
