Bingo allowed again in places with alcohol licence

What changes?

Do you organise bingo games in a catering establishment? You will be allowed to so again, even if alcohol is served. Without intending to, the Alcohol Act (Alcoholwet) prohibited organising bingo in placers with an alcohol licence. The government is amending the law to allow small-scale bingo, where the aim is not to make a profit.

The following conditions remain:

• Bingo may only be organised without the aim of making a profit.
• The biggest prize per round is €400.
• The organiser must be a Dutch association that has been in existence for at least 3 years and is not aimed at gambling.

For whom?

• hospitality entrepreneurs with an alcohol licence
• associations organising bingo

When?

This change in de Alcohol Act is expected to take effect after the summer of 2025. The state secretary calls for no strict enforcement until then.

Please note: The effective date of this measure is not yet final. Entry into force is subject to its passing through the Lower and Upper Houses (Tweede en Eerste Kamer) of parliament. After publication in the Staatsblad or Staatscourant (Government Gazette, in Dutch) the law can take effect.