De Druiventros reviews first year running own Dutch casino

Hotel De Druiventros in Berkel-Enschot has operated its own casino since it opened on 4 October 2025, and owner Rob Zoontjens gave a positive account of the first year. The casino occupies the hotel's premises and replaced the former WIN Casino, now called Druiventros Casino. Zoontjens runs the hotel with his wife, Janny Mutsaers.

Zoontjens told Brabants Dagblad that margins are under pressure from the increased gambling tax, which was 30.5% in 2024 and is 37.8% from 2026. He said the casino also requires substantial investment, with slot machines particularly expensive, and that he would not have taken the step without the hotel's income. He added that costs for the casino do not qualify for VAT refunds, unlike costs for the hotel.

According to Zoontjens, the casino has attracted growing visitor numbers, a mix of recreational players and people who want to stake more seriously, though he said he did not have exact figures to hand. He said good parties are unwilling or unable to invest because of the margins. He also said operators must meet strict conditions, including background checks and checks of the administration when applying for an operating licence, as well as obligations on courses and guidance.

Zoontjens said the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Cruks) plays an important role, with people able to register themselves for a gambling stop or be excluded compulsorily, and a minimum exclusion of six months for Dutch casinos and arcades. In his view, illegal online casinos can circumvent such measures more easily. He called for more appreciation of land-based casinos, which he said face stricter supervision than online providers.

Zoontjens said he intends to keep operating the casino, with the aim of bringing activity to De Druiventros, and that he wants to continue doing so. He said entertainment in the form of casinos, erotic entertainment and coffeeshops belongs near large cities, and that demand for such facilities cannot be removed from people. CasinoNieuws.nl said the article was updated at 16:45 after it initially gave the hotel owner's name as Rob Zwaantjes; it corrected this to Rob Zoontjens.