BREAKING: The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) is set to undergo a major internal overhaul, aimed at adapting to the rapidly evolving gambling landscape in the Netherlands. Starting January 1, 2026, the KSA will implement a new governance model that focuses on player protection, digital oversight, and enforcement.
Under this transformation, Michel Groothuizen will remain as chairman and the sole full-time member of the Board of Directors, ensuring continuity amid significant changes. The KSA is expected to announce two additional part-time board members in the coming months, who will provide strategic input without managing daily operations.
“This change will make the KSA a modern, agile organization that oversees a rapidly changing gambling market,” Groothuizen stated during the announcement.
The restructuring includes consolidating internal departments into three key directorates responsible for day-to-day operations. One will focus on Player Protection and Management Advice, reflecting heightened political and public concerns over gambling-related harm. Another will handle Licenses and Supervision, ensuring compliance with the KSA’s core responsibilities. The third, Digitalization, Analysis, and Operations, will monitor technological advancements within the sector.
The new directors, Roos Lawant, Ella Seijsener, and Daniël Palomo van Es, will take on operational control, allowing the board to concentrate on strategy and governance. Notably, Vice-chair Bernadette van Buchem will end her four-decade career by stepping down at the close of 2025.
The KSA’s restructuring comes in response to ongoing challenges within the gambling market. In a recent speech, Groothuizen acknowledged the limitations of the current regulatory framework, noting that while a regulated online market has been established, offshore operators continue to flourish due to a lack of robust internet restrictions. This has resulted in high-spending players drifting toward unlicensed platforms, complicating the KSA’s efforts to channelize the market.
Groothuizen emphasized the urgent need for enhanced international collaboration among regulators to combat the global surge in illegal gambling. He has proposed the establishment of a Europe-wide body similar to Interpol, dedicated to tackling these issues.
The KSA’s reorganization underscores a fundamental shift in gambling oversight, moving beyond simply issuing licenses and enforcing regulations. It is now about leveraging data, digital tools, and strategic coordination to remain relevant in an increasingly complex environment.
This development is crucial for the future of gambling regulation in the Netherlands, with implications for player safety and market integrity. As the KSA prepares for these changes, stakeholders are urged to stay informed about how this restructuring will affect both operators and consumers in the gambling landscape.
Next Steps: Industry experts are watching closely as the KSA finalizes its new board members and operational plans. Significant announcements are expected in the upcoming months, making this a pivotal moment for gambling regulation in the Netherlands.