December 31, 1976, was a special day for Holland Casino Zandvoort. Just three months after its opening, the casino was bustling with excitement as it prepared to welcome the new year. The dress code was quite strict that night – guests were required to wear formal attire, befitting the festive atmosphere.

As the clock struck midnight, the tables temporarily ceased operations, allowing guests to raise their glasses and toast to the new year. To make the occasion even more memorable, the casino management had a special surprise in store: the first roulette wheel spin after midnight would yield double payouts if the zero came up. This meant that players who bet on the zero would win 70 times their original stake instead of the usual 35 times.

The "zero-action" proved to be a huge hit, not just at Zandvoort but also at Holland Casino Valkenburg, which had opened its doors since May 1977. The New Year's Eve celebrations were always a lively affair at the casino, with the zero-action adding an extra layer of excitement.

A Break from Tradition

However, in 1979, the casino management decided to give their employees a break on New Year's Eve. With limited gaming activity and no significant revenue generated that night, the decision was made to close the casinos earlier than usual. The three locations – Zandvoort, Valkenburg, and Scheveningen – opened during the day but closed in the evening.

The news was announced through newspaper advertisements:

"…a few years later, it was decided to keep our casinos completely closed on New Year's Eve."

This decision allowed employees to spend the holiday with their loved ones rather than behind the blackjack tables. A sympathetic gesture indeed!

A Modern Twist

Fast forward to 2024. While traditional brick-and-mortar casinos may have limited hours or be closed altogether on December 31, Holland Casino Online remains open and operational, as required by law.

To ring in the new year, some of our locations will offer a taste of what's to come with our Sylvester Night celebrations on December 29-30. Enjoy live entertainment, festive bites, and drinks at these select venues!

And don't forget, when January 1st arrives, our doors will reopen at 2 PM. Each guest can look forward to a complimentary glass of bubbly and an obligatory oil-braised pastry.

Wishing you a fantastic New Year from Holland Casino!

P.S. Don't wait until 2024! Join us for Sylvester Night celebrations on December 29-30 at our various locations