the tax on gambling generated a record €1 billion for the treasury last year, double the figure from five years ago, national statistics agency CBS said on Thursday.

The surge is down to the decision to legalise online gambling in 2021. This created a new, legal market, and some 27 companies operating 37 different labels currently have licences to offer gambling online in the Netherlands.

These new providers, who have attracted thousands of new players, now pay tax, accounting for 40% of the total raised last year.

At the same time, however, a string of reports have shown how the measures led to an explosion in people becoming addicted and building up debts.

The tax was increased from 30.5% to 34.2% at the beginning of this year, and that means a further increase is likely in 2025. The tax is due to go up again to 37.8% in 2026.