Holland Casino has officially commenced the construction of a new facility at Businesspark Ter Borch after its previous Groningen location was destroyed by fire in 2017.
On Friday, a ground-breaking ceremony was conducted, attended by Holland Casino employees, construction partners, and local officials. Holland Casino's CEO, Petra de Ruiter, expressed optimism about the project, calling it a major milestone after extensive preparations.
"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."
The mayor of Tynaarlo, Marcel Thijsen, emphasized the significance of the development for the region, noting its potential to foster the growth of Businesspark Ter Borch. The new venue, conveniently located beside the A7 motorway, is expected to attract visitors from Groningen, Drenthe, and neighboring areas.
Holland Casino plans to focus on sustainability, accessibility, and hospitality in its design, aligning with modern guest preferences. However, the company has not shared detailed information regarding the construction timeline, anticipated opening date, capacity, or financial aspects of the project.
One employee, Richard van den Broek, expressed his excitement, stating he was "relieved that it is finally starting and can’t wait to walk in here."
Since the 2017 fire, Holland Casino, the government-run operator of the Netherlands’ regulated casino market, has not had a permanent venue in Groningen. In 2023, it chose Businesspark Ter Borch as its new relocation site.
The new casino will be located approximately a 40-minute drive from the German border. De Ruiter noted in September that German visitors form a crucial demographic for Holland Casino’s offerings.
"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, entertainment. It’s an afternoon or evening out. And as I understand from our German guests, it’s a more entertaining evening or afternoon than in some German casinos,” she shared.
While launching a new land-based venue, Holland Casino has also attained a five-year extension of its online gambling license, ensuring that its online gaming portfolio will be available in the regulated Dutch market until at least 2031.
De Ruiter affirmed that Holland Casino remains committed to providing a safe and responsible online environment, prioritizing player protection. She highlighted the importance of maintaining an attractive regulated market to deter players from unlicensed providers, which lack oversight and protection.
