Situated in the lively heart of Amsterdam’s Leidseplein entertainment district, Holland Casino Amsterdam stands as the largest and most iconic branch of Holland Casino, the Netherlands’ state-owned gaming monopoly, offering a sophisticated blend of over 600 slot machines, 57 table games, and a vibrant nightlife experience. Located at Max Euweplein 62, just steps from the bustling Leidseplein square and a short tram ride from Amsterdam Centraal Station, this flagship venue has been a cornerstone of the city’s leisure scene since its opening as part of the Holland Casino network in 1976, with its current location established in 1991. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, Holland Casino Amsterdam is a must-visit, merging Dutch hospitality with the excitement of a world-class gaming destination.
The casino’s roots are tied to Holland Casino’s founding in 1976, when the Dutch government granted it exclusive rights to operate full-service casinos, aiming to regulate gambling and channel profits to the treasury. As the largest of its 14 nationwide branches, the Amsterdam location reflects the company’s commitment to providing a safe, stylish, and entertaining environment, drawing over 1 million visitors annually—locals, tourists, and gaming enthusiasts alike. Beyond its gaming floors, it offers gourmet dining at Taste Brasserie & Wines, live performances, and a prime spot in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. This article uncovers the casino’s rich history, its elegant design, and the diverse entertainment that makes it a standout treasure in Northern Europe’s casino landscape.
Holland Casino Amsterdam’s appeal lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of visitors while upholding a polished, upscale atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned player drawn to its extensive poker offerings, a casual visitor testing your luck on the Mega Millions Jackpot slots, or someone savoring a meal with a view of the gaming action, the casino delivers a blend of excitement and refinement. Its central location—near the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, and the iconic canal belt—enhances its draw, while its 24/7 operation and strict safety measures ensure accessibility and trust. Let’s explore what makes this Dutch icon a gaming gem in the heart of Amsterdam.
A Dutch Gaming Icon: Key Features at a Glance
Holland Casino Amsterdam’s prestige is built on its extensive gaming offerings and stylish entertainment options, all housed within a modern complex that reflects its status as the Netherlands’ gaming flagship. The table below outlines its core attractions, providing a quick overview of what visitors can expect from this Amsterdam standout.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 600+ machines, Mega Millions Jackpot | Ground Floor | 24/7 daily |
| Roulette | European, American, Money Wheel | Main Gaming Floor | 24/7 daily |
| Blackjack | Classic and multi-hand variants | Main Gaming Floor | 24/7 daily |
| Poker | Texas Hold’em, Punto Banco, cash games | Poker Room | 24/7 daily |
| Dining | Taste Brasserie & Wines, global menu | Upper Level | 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. daily |
From Monopoly to Mastery: The Evolution of Holland Casino Amsterdam
The Holland Casino Amsterdam’s story is rooted in the broader history of Holland Casino, which began on October 1, 1976, when the Dutch government established the company as the sole legal provider of full-service casinos in the Netherlands. The first branch opened in Zandvoort, but the Amsterdam location soon followed, initially operating in temporary spaces before settling into its current purpose-built venue at Max Euweplein in 1991. This move marked a significant leap, positioning it as the largest of the 14 Holland Casino branches, designed to serve the capital’s growing population and burgeoning tourism industry, fueled by Amsterdam’s rise as a European cultural hub.
The casino’s early years were shaped by the Dutch government’s dual goals of regulating gambling and generating revenue, with profits directed to the national treasury—€267 million in 2007 alone reflecting its economic impact. The Amsterdam branch quickly became a flagship, expanding its gaming floor to over 6,000 square meters and introducing a wide range of games, from traditional roulette and blackjack to innovative slot machines linked to the Mega Millions Jackpot. By the 2000s, it had embraced poker as a major draw, hosting cash games and tournaments that attracted players from across Europe, while the 2010s saw upgrades to its facilities and dining options to meet modern demands. Key milestones in its evolution include:
- 1976: Holland Casino founded, with Amsterdam as a planned key branch.
- 1991: Opens at Max Euweplein, becoming the largest branch.
- 2008: Wins Gaming Award for social responsibility in London.
- 2021: Introduces Taste Brasserie & Wines, enhancing dining.
These moments trace its journey from a state-backed venture to a Northern European gaming icon, reflecting Amsterdam’s dynamic growth.
Design Sophistication and Entertainment Unveiled
Holland Casino Amsterdam’s design is a modern masterpiece, purpose-built to balance functionality with elegance, reflecting its role as a premier gaming destination in the Netherlands. Located at Max Euweplein 62, the exterior features a sleek, contemporary façade with large windows that hint at the lively interior, contrasting with the historic canal houses nearby. Inside, the 6,000-square-meter space unfolds across multiple levels—the ground floor buzzes with over 600 slot machines, their bright screens illuminating the space, while the main gaming floor offers a refined setting with plush carpets, ambient lighting, and high ceilings that create a sense of grandeur.
The gaming experience is extensive and varied. The slot area, open 24/7, features over 600 machines from manufacturers like IGT and Novomatic, offering classic reels, video slots, and the Mega Millions Jackpot with bets starting at €0.01 and potential payouts exceeding €3 million—the highest recorded being €3,650,609.85. The main gaming floor, also 24/7, hosts 57 tables—European and American Roulette with stakes from €5 to €20,000, blackjack from €10 to €10,000, Punto Banco, Money Wheel, and a variety of poker games including Texas Hold’em with cash games from €2/€2 to €100/€200 and tournaments starting at €30. A stylish dress code—jackets optional but no sportswear or flip-flops—maintains a polished atmosphere, aligning with the casino’s upscale ethos.
Entertainment at Holland Casino Amsterdam extends beyond gaming, enhancing its role as a nightlife hub. Taste Brasserie & Wines, open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., offers a global menu—seasonal dishes like Dutch herring and international classics—crafted with fresh ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list and served with views of the gaming floor. The lounge area hosts live performances—jazz bands, DJ sets, and special events like prize giveaways—adding vibrancy without additional cost, while the bar serves cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options 24/7. The casino’s connection to Leidseplein’s nightlife—near Paradiso and the Hard Rock Café—adds to its appeal. Standout features include:
- Taste Brasserie’s gourmet dining with gaming views.
- Live music and events in the lounge area.
- Mega Millions Jackpot with million-euro potential.
- Central location near Leidseplein attractions.
This fusion of gaming and leisure ensures Holland Casino Amsterdam remains a dynamic destination in Northern Europe.
Why Holland Casino Amsterdam Thrives
Holland Casino Amsterdam’s prestige stems from its status as the Netherlands’ largest casino and its ability to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience. Its 600+ slots, 57 tables, and extensive poker offerings cater to a broad audience, while the Mega Millions Jackpot—starting at €1 million—adds a high-stakes thrill, drawing over 1 million visitors annually. The VIP area, though smaller than some European peers, offers personalized service for high rollers, balancing accessibility with exclusivity in a way that reflects Dutch practicality and hospitality.
The casino’s integration with Amsterdam’s cultural and nightlife scene enhances its allure. Open 24/7 with a €5 entry fee (waived with an I amsterdam City Card or dining reservation), it requires ID for those over 18, adhering to strict Dutch gaming regulations enforced by the Gaming Commission. Its location near Leidseplein—a 5-minute tram ride from Centraal Station or a short walk from the Rijksmuseum—makes it a seamless stop, while paid parking at Q-Park Museumplein (€10 for 2 hours) adds convenience. Additional draws that set it apart include:
- Largest Holland Casino branch with 57 tables.
- Award-winning social responsibility since 2008.
- Proximity to Amsterdam’s canal belt and museums.
- From its 1991 opening to its thriving presence in 2025, Holland Casino Amsterdam stands as a Northern, Central, and Eastern
European treasure, offering a refined blend of gaming, dining, and Dutch sophistication in the heart of Amsterdam.