Dutch Gambling Authority Announces Major Internal Restructuring
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) is preparing for a comprehensive internal overhaul to better align with the rapid changes and emerging risks within the Netherlands’ gambling sector. Beginning January 1, 2026, the regulator will introduce a new streamlined management framework to enhance focus on player protection, digital monitoring, and enforcement efforts.
Revised Leadership Structure Addresses Market Dynamics
The KSA has confirmed that Michel Groothuizen will continue as chairman and remain the sole full-time member of its Board of Directors. Two additional part-time board members will join to provide strategic guidance, focusing less on daily management. The selection process for these new members is well underway, with official announcements expected soon.
In an effort to create a more agile and modern organization capable of managing the evolving gambling landscape, the KSA is restructuring its departments into three main directorates. One directorate will prioritize Player Protection and Management Advice, emphasizing the heightened importance of minimizing gambling-related harm. Another will be responsible for Licenses and Supervision, carrying on the regulator’s essential duties concerning market access and compliance. The third division will focus on Digitalization, Analysis, and Operations, ensuring the authority stays ahead of technological developments.
The appointed directors of these divisions — Roos Lawant, Ella Seijsener, and Daniël Palomo van Es — will oversee daily operations, allowing the board to concentrate on strategy, governance, and accountability. Vice-chair Bernadette van Buchem will retire at the end of 2025, concluding a distinguished four-decade career dedicated to public service and gambling regulation.
Ongoing Challenges with Illegal Gambling Operators
This restructuring comes at a time when the KSA is reflecting critically on its current regulatory approach. Chairman Groothuizen recently acknowledged the limitations of the Netherlands’ regulatory framework, noting that despite regulated online gambling markets being in place, offshore operators continue to prosper. This persistence is largely attributed to the country’s hesitancy to block offending websites or adopt stringent internet restrictions.
Additionally, some of the Netherlands’ strict player protection policies have inadvertently driven high-spending gamblers toward unlicensed platforms. This shift has strained the regulated market and complicated efforts to channel players to legal operators. Groothuizen underscored the importance of increasing international cooperation among regulators to efficiently tackle the expanding global problem of illegal gambling.
Advocating for stronger cross-border collaboration, Groothuizen has even proposed the establishment of a Europe-wide organization similar to Interpol but dedicated to combating illegal gambling activities. With this shakeup, the KSA signals that gambling regulation must evolve beyond traditional licensing and enforcement to incorporate data analytics, digital tools, and strategic global partnerships to remain effective and relevant.
