Dutch regulator restructures to improve oversight and governance

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is set to implement a comprehensive overhaul of its governance and organisational structure from 1 January 2026. The reform is intended to respond to the growing complexity of the gambling market, prioritising player protection, digitalisation and data-driven supervision while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.

With the gambling landscape increasingly influenced by digital platforms, emerging technologies and international operations, the KSA has acknowledged the need for a modernised organisational framework. These changes are designed to ensure that the authority continues to operate effectively, maintaining public trust and upholding regulatory standards across both licensed and unlicensed operators.

Revised Board of Directors Model

Starting in 2026, the KSA will adopt a new Board of Directors (Raad van Bestuur, RvB) structure. The revised model consists of one full-time chair and two part-time board members. This arrangement is intended to balance operational leadership with strategic expertise, ensuring that the board can provide both oversight and guidance in a rapidly evolving market.

Michel Groothuizen, the current chair, will continue to serve in his role and act as the primary executive and public representative of the organisation. His responsibilities include managing the regulator’s domestic and international engagements, representing the KSA at conferences and liaising with government stakeholders and industry participants.

The recruitment of the two new part-time board members is in advanced stages, with announcements expected in the coming months. These members are anticipated to bring strategic insight, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, governance, regulatory integrity and international collaboration. Their role is not operational but rather advisory, serving as critical sparring partners for decision-making at the highest level.

According to the KSA, the new model will create a clearer distinction between operational management and strategic oversight. By delegating day-to-day responsibilities to directors, the board can focus on steering policy, ensuring accountability and supporting the authority’s long-term objectives.

Introduction of Three New Directorates

Alongside the governance adjustments, the KSA is reorganising its internal structure into three directorates. Each directorate will oversee specific operational areas and will be led by experienced directors. The changes are designed to streamline management, improve agility and strengthen the authority’s ability to respond to market developments.

The new directorates are as follows:

Player Protection & Board Advisory

This directorate, led by Roos Lawant from 1 February 2026, will focus on safeguarding consumers, monitoring responsible gambling measures and providing advice directly to the board. The directorate will emphasise proactive interventions to protect players from potential harm while ensuring compliance with Dutch gambling laws.

Licensing & Supervision

Led by Ella Seijsener from 1 January 2026, this directorate will oversee licensing processes and supervise operators. Ella Seijsener has extensive experience within the KSA, making her well-positioned to lead the directorate’s regulatory activities, including licensing approvals, ongoing monitoring and enforcement against illegal gambling operators.

Digitalisation, Analysis & Operations

Daniël Palomo van Es will assume leadership of this directorate from 1 February 2026. The unit will focus on leveraging advanced technologies, data analysis and operational efficiency to enhance supervision. The directorate’s responsibilities include adopting artificial intelligence solutions for risk detection, implementing digital monitoring tools and supporting data-led decision-making across the organisation.

During January 2026, Michel Groothuizen and Ella Seijsener will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the directors to ensure a seamless transition. The KSA has emphasised that this temporary arrangement will not affect the continuity of regulatory activities or oversight responsibilities.

Strategic Focus on Oversight, Accountability and Integrity

The KSA has clarified that the revised governance and operational structure is part of a broader strategy designed to strengthen oversight and accountability. The authority’s approach separates strategic functions from operational execution, allowing directors to manage daily operations while the board concentrates on long-term goals, policy frameworks and statutory obligations.

One of the key objectives of the new model is to enhance organisational agility. The gambling market in the Netherlands has experienced significant growth in online offerings, digital payment methods and international competition. These developments have created a complex regulatory environment where rapid adaptation and data-driven decision-making are essential.

The regulator also intends to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling operations. By employing advanced technologies and analytical tools, the KSA can identify irregularities more effectively and take swift action against operators who breach Dutch gambling laws. This approach complements international cooperation, as cross-border gambling activities require coordinated oversight with regulators in other jurisdictions.

The authority’s emphasis on integrity extends to both internal governance and external supervision. The KSA has committed to maintaining high ethical standards, transparency and human-centred management practices. These values underpin the authority’s efforts to maintain public confidence and protect players from potential harm.

Departure of Vice Chair Bernadette van Buchem

The organisational restructuring coincides with the departure of vice chair Bernadette van Buchem. Van Buchem has served on the KSA board since 2018 and has had a distinguished public-sector career spanning more than four decades. Her previous roles included positions within the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Authority for Consumers and Markets.

Within the KSA, van Buchem was recognised for her open leadership style, strong engagement with staff and human-centred approach to governance. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping policies related to consumer protection, regulatory compliance and staff development.

Following her departure, Michel Groothuizen will act as the sole board member on an interim basis until the recruitment of the two part-time members is finalised. The KSA has indicated that the transition will be smooth and that operational continuity will be maintained throughout the process.

Preparing for a Rapidly Changing Gambling Market

The KSA’s organisational reform reflects the regulator’s commitment to modernising its operations in response to a rapidly evolving market. Key elements of the revised strategy include:

• Strengthening player protection and promoting responsible gambling
• Implementing digital oversight mechanisms and data-led supervision
• Intensifying enforcement against illegal gambling operators
• Leveraging international cooperation to address cross-border challenges
• Enhancing organisational agility and decision-making efficiency

As the Dutch gambling market continues to expand, these initiatives are designed to ensure that the KSA remains a capable, forward-looking regulator. The authority is preparing to oversee not only traditional land-based operators but also emerging online platforms and technologically advanced gambling solutions.

The focus on digitalisation is particularly relevant as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and other innovations reshape the gambling sector. By integrating these tools into its regulatory framework, the KSA can monitor compliance more effectively, detect irregularities and intervene before risks escalate.

Conclusion

The KSA’s governance restructuring and internal reorganisation represent a significant step in modernising Dutch gambling regulation. By separating strategic oversight from operational management, the authority can enhance its focus on player protection, ethical governance and data-driven supervision.

The introduction of three directorates ensures that specialised teams manage key operational areas while maintaining continuity and high standards of regulatory practice. Leadership appointments, such as Roos Lawant, Ella Seijsener and Daniël Palomo van Es, highlight the emphasis on expertise, experience and forward-looking management.

As the gambling market evolves, the KSA’s proactive strategy positions it as a modern regulator capable of safeguarding players, maintaining integrity and responding effectively to new challenges. These changes reinforce the Netherlands’ commitment to a safe, fair and transparent gambling environment.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the KSA’s restructuring?
The restructuring aims to strengthen player protection, improve digital supervision and implement data-led oversight in the Dutch gambling market.

Who will lead the KSA under the new governance model?
Michel Groothuizen will continue as chair, with two new part-time board members to provide strategic guidance.

What are the three new directorates introduced by the KSA?
The directorates are Player Protection & Board Advisory, Licensing & Supervision and Digitalisation, Analysis & Operations.

When will the new governance and directorate structure take effect?
The changes will take effect from 1 January 2026, with some directors officially starting in February 2026.

Why is the KSA focusing on digitalisation?
Digitalisation allows the KSA to use advanced technologies, including AI, for more effective monitoring, analysis and enforcement.

What role will the new part-time board members play?
They will provide strategic expertise and act as sparring partners, particularly in governance, integrity and digital transformation.

Who is departing from the KSA board during this transition?
Vice chair Bernadette van Buchem will leave after a public-sector career spanning four decades.

How will the KSA handle the transition in leadership?
Michel Groothuizen and Ella Seijsener will temporarily assume director responsibilities to ensure continuity.

How does the restructuring improve organisational agility?
By separating operational management from strategic oversight, the KSA can respond faster to market developments and emerging risks.

What are the KSA’s priorities in the revised strategy?
The priorities include consumer protection, enhanced digital oversight, data-led supervision, enforcement against illegal operators and international collaboration.