How to Book Casino Hotels in the Netherlands
Planning a casino trip to the Netherlands? This guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right venue and booking your hotel to packing your bags and hitting the gaming floor. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, these tips will help you make the most of your trip.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Casino City
The Netherlands has Holland Casino venues in eight cities, each offering a different experience. Consider what matters most to you:
- Biggest gaming floor: Amsterdam (650 slots, 62 tables)
- Most glamorous setting: Scheveningen (inside the historic Kurhaus hotel, beachside)
- Most modern venue: Utrecht (state-of-the-art technology, newest design)
- Best value: Venlo or Groningen (lowest hotel prices from €79–€85/night)
- Architectural sightseeing: Rotterdam (Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, Markthal)
- Cross-border trip: Venlo (minutes from Germany) or Breda (30 min from Antwerp)
Step 2: Pick Your Dates
Holland Casino venues are open every day of the year. When choosing dates, consider:
- Weekdays (Mon–Thu): Quieter, better chances of getting preferred table seats, lower hotel rates
- Weekends (Fri–Sat): Livelier atmosphere, more entertainment, but busier gaming floors and higher hotel prices
- Special events: Check the Holland Casino website for poker tournament dates and themed evenings
Step 3: Book Your Hotel
We recommend booking through Booking.com for the best combination of price, flexibility, and cancellation policies. Our casino hotel pages include direct links to the best-rated hotels near each venue. Tips for booking:
- Look for "free cancellation" options in case your plans change
- Check the distance to the casino — under 1 km is ideal for walking
- Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for the most current information
- Consider breakfast inclusion — it adds convenience and saves time
- Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for weekend stays, further in advance for peak season
Step 4: Plan Your Visit
Once your hotel is booked, plan the details of your casino visit:
- Check opening hours (noon–3 AM weekdays, noon–4 AM Fri/Sat)
- Review the dress code (smart casual at all venues)
- Set a gambling budget and stick to it
- Plan dining — many casinos have excellent on-site restaurants
- Arrange transport — check train times or parking availability
Step 5: Arrive and Enjoy
On the day of your visit:
- Bring your passport or EU identity card (mandatory for entry)
- Arrive early on weekends (before 8 PM) for the best experience
- Start with low-stakes games if you're a beginner — ask staff for guidance
- Explore the full venue: restaurant, bar, and entertainment areas
- Remember: the goal is entertainment, not profit
Best Time to Visit
The Netherlands is a year-round destination, but some periods offer distinct advantages for casino hotel visitors:
Best for Value: November – March
Winter months bring the lowest hotel prices across the Netherlands. Amsterdam hotels that cost €200+ in summer can be found for €120–150. The casinos are less crowded on weeknights, giving you more space at the tables. The Dutch embrace the winter season with cozy restaurants and bar culture — perfect for pairing with a casino evening.
Best for Weather: May – September
If you want to combine your casino trip with sightseeing, the warmer months are ideal. Scheveningen's beachside casino is particularly magical in summer. Hotel prices are higher and venues busier, but the longer daylight hours mean you can explore the city during the day and gamble in the evening.
Best for Events: Check the Calendar
Holland Casino hosts major poker tournaments, themed parties, and special events throughout the year. The Master Classics of Poker in Amsterdam (November) is one of Europe's most prestigious events. Check the events calendar when planning your trip.
Dates to Avoid (or Embrace)
King's Day (April 27) sees the entire country celebrate — hotels sell out months in advance. New Year's Eve is similarly busy. Carnival season (February/March) affects southern cities like Breda and Venlo. These events are fantastic experiences but require very early booking.
Money-Saving Tips
Travel by Train
NS (Dutch Railways) offers day passes and off-peak discounts. A group return ticket for 4+ people can save up to 40%. Avoid parking costs at city-center casinos by taking the train.
Book Midweek
Hotels near casinos are significantly cheaper Sunday through Thursday. A Tuesday night in Rotterdam can be half the price of a Saturday stay at the same hotel. The casino experience is just as good.
Use Comparison Sites
Check Booking.com, Hotels.com, and the hotel's own website. Direct booking sometimes includes extras like breakfast or parking. Our casino hotel pages link to the best rates we've found.
Set a Casino Budget
Decide on your gambling budget before you go and stick to it. Leave credit and debit cards in the hotel safe and bring only the cash you're willing to lose. This simple step prevents overspending.
Eat Before You Go
Casino restaurant prices are reasonable but not cheap. Eating in the city before your casino visit can save €20–30 per person. Many cities have excellent dining just minutes from the casino.
Look for City Cards
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague offer tourist city cards that include public transport and museum entry. These don't cover casino admission (which is free anyway) but save money on daytime sightseeing.
What to Expect
Your First Holland Casino Visit
When you arrive at a Holland Casino venue, here's what happens:
- Entrance: Present your passport or ID at the door. Staff will verify your age (must be 18+) and check you against the CRUKS exclusion register. Entry is free.
- Gaming Floor: The main area features slot machines and gaming tables. You can observe games before playing. Staff are helpful and will explain rules to beginners.
- Buying Chips: For table games, exchange cash for chips at the table or at the cashier. Slot machines accept coins, notes, and casino cards.
- Playing: Table minimums are typically €5. Sit down at any table with an available seat. The dealer will help if you're unsure about rules or etiquette.
- Cashing Out: Exchange chips for cash at the cashier. Winnings above €449 have the 29.5% gambling tax automatically deducted.
- Dining & Drinks: All venues have at least one restaurant and a bar. You can take breaks from gaming to eat and drink.
Packing Checklist
Don't forget these essentials for your Dutch casino trip:
Essentials
- ☑ Passport or EU identity card (mandatory for casino entry)
- ☑ Smart casual clothing (collared shirt, trousers, closed shoes)
- ☑ Comfortable walking shoes for daytime sightseeing
- ☑ Cash in euros (ATMs available but casino is cash-friendly)
- ☑ Hotel booking confirmation
- ☑ Travel insurance documents
- ☑ OV-chipkaart for public transport (buy at any station)
Good to Have
- ☐ Rain jacket or umbrella (Dutch weather is unpredictable year-round)
- ☐ Phone charger and power bank
- ☐ European plug adapter (if travelling from outside Europe)
- ☐ Jacket or blazer (recommended for VIP areas at Scheveningen)
- ☐ Notebook for tracking your gambling budget
- ☐ Guidebook or offline map of the city