Kansspelautoriteit appoints Carol Verheij as vice chair

The Kansspelautoriteit has confirmed that Carol Verheij will join its board as a member and vice chair from 1 March 2026. The appointment was formally announced by the Dutch government in the Staatscourant and marks a significant development in the governance structure of the Netherlands’ gambling regulator. Verheij succeeds Bernadette van Buchem and will assume a leadership role at a time when regulatory oversight in the Dutch gambling market continues to evolve.

Her arrival comes as the authority further refines its executive framework to support growing supervisory responsibilities. Since the regulation of online gambling in 2021, the scope and complexity of the regulator’s mandate have expanded considerably. The addition of a senior public administration figure to the board signals a continued commitment to strong institutional governance and compliance oversight.

Background and professional experience

Carol Verheij currently serves as secretary director of the Dutch Safety Board, an independent body responsible for investigating incidents and safeguarding public safety across various sectors. In that capacity, she has overseen administrative coordination and supported strategic decision making within a nationally significant institution.

Prior to her current role, Verheij held senior positions within the Ministry of Justice and Security. Her experience in public administration includes responsibilities linked to regulatory policy, institutional integrity and cross departmental coordination. This background is considered directly relevant to the evolving needs of the Kansspelautoriteit.

Her appointment does not represent a departure from the authority’s established course. Instead, it reflects a continuation of its strategy to reinforce governance standards and ensure that regulatory oversight remains robust and proportionate. By bringing in a senior official with experience in complex public sector environments, the regulator seeks to further enhance its decision making processes and internal accountability mechanisms.

Governance priorities at the Kansspelautoriteit

At the Kansspelautoriteit, Verheij will focus on governance, integrity and compliance. These pillars are central to the authority’s long term strategic plan. As the Dutch gambling market matures, regulatory expectations have intensified, particularly in relation to player protection, responsible advertising and duty of care obligations.

The board of the Kansspelautoriteit consists of a chair and two part time members. In her role as vice chair, Verheij will support Chairman Michel Groothuizen and contribute to high level strategic decisions. The vice chair position is designed to ensure continuity in leadership and to provide additional oversight capacity in key areas of policy and enforcement.

Chairman Groothuizen welcomed her appointment and highlighted her administrative expertise. Although the authority has not indicated any change in regulatory direction, the reinforcement of governance capabilities suggests an intention to consolidate institutional resilience. Clear governance frameworks are viewed as essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring consistent application of regulatory standards.

Evolution of the Dutch gambling market

The Dutch gambling market has undergone substantial reform since the Remote Gambling Act entered into force in 2021, enabling licensed online gambling for the first time. The Kansspelautoriteit has since expanded its enforcement efforts against illegal operators and strengthened supervision of licensed providers.

This period of transformation has required the regulator to adapt its internal structures. Increased market participation, technological innovation and cross border service provision have introduced new compliance considerations. The authority has also intensified scrutiny of advertising practices and responsible gambling safeguards.

Public and political discussions concerning player protection remain ongoing. Policymakers continue to evaluate measures aimed at reducing gambling related harm, including stricter marketing rules and enhanced duty of care requirements. In this context, effective governance at the regulatory level is regarded as critical to ensuring that policy objectives are implemented in a transparent and legally sound manner.

Strengthening supervision and compliance

The Kansspelautoriteit has repeatedly emphasized that supervision must be both firm and proportionate. Enforcement actions against unlicensed operators have demonstrated the authority’s commitment to upholding Dutch gambling laws. At the same time, the regulator seeks to provide clarity to licensed operators regarding their compliance obligations.

Verheij’s experience in oversight institutions may contribute to refining internal procedures related to decision making, risk assessment and institutional accountability. As vice chair, she will participate in shaping policy implementation strategies and coordinating with relevant national and international stakeholders.

Cross border gambling services continue to present regulatory challenges. Operators often provide services across multiple jurisdictions, each with distinct legal frameworks. Effective cooperation between regulators is therefore essential. The Kansspelautoriteit regularly engages with European counterparts to exchange information and coordinate supervisory approaches. A strong governance structure within the authority supports these collaborative efforts.

Continuity and institutional stability

Industry observers are likely to interpret the appointment as a signal of continuity rather than a policy shift. The Kansspelautoriteit’s core mandate remains unchanged. It is responsible for supervising compliance with gambling legislation, preventing illegal offerings and protecting consumers.

The addition of a vice chair with extensive public sector experience aligns with broader trends in regulatory governance. Many supervisory authorities across Europe have sought to reinforce leadership capacity in response to growing market complexity. Institutional stability and clear lines of accountability are widely recognized as prerequisites for effective regulation.

By appointing Verheij, the Dutch government has underscored its intention to maintain high standards of integrity within the regulatory framework. Her role will include supporting the chair in overseeing internal processes and ensuring that strategic objectives are translated into operational outcomes.

Looking ahead

As the Dutch gambling sector continues to develop, the Kansspelautoriteit faces the dual task of enabling a regulated market and safeguarding public interests. Balancing these objectives requires measured decision making and consistent enforcement practices.

The coming years are expected to bring further policy discussions at national level, particularly concerning advertising restrictions and harm prevention mechanisms. The regulator’s leadership team will play a central role in interpreting legislative developments and adjusting supervisory priorities accordingly.

Verheij’s appointment takes effect at a time when governance, transparency and institutional accountability are at the forefront of regulatory discourse. While the broader regulatory direction remains stable, the reinforcement of board level expertise reflects an awareness of the evolving demands placed on supervisory authorities.

Conclusion

The appointment of Carol Verheij as member and vice chair of the Kansspelautoriteit represents a considered step in strengthening the regulator’s governance framework. With extensive experience in public administration and oversight, she brings expertise that aligns with the authority’s focus on integrity and compliance.

Her arrival does not signal a change in regulatory philosophy. Instead, it reinforces continuity within an institution that operates in a rapidly developing market environment. As the Dutch gambling sector matures and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, strong leadership and transparent governance will remain central to the Kansspelautoriteit’s mission.

Through this appointment, the regulator positions itself to meet increasing supervisory demands while maintaining public trust. In an environment characterized by legal complexity and policy debate, institutional stability and clear accountability structures provide the foundation for effective and balanced oversight.

FAQs

Who is Carol Verheij?
Carol Verheij is a senior Dutch public administrator who currently serves as secretary director of the Dutch Safety Board and will join the board of the Kansspelautoriteit as vice chair from 1 March 2026.

When will Carol Verheij join the Kansspelautoriteit?
She will assume her role as board member and vice chair on 1 March 2026 following her formal appointment by the Dutch government.

Whom does Carol Verheij succeed?
She succeeds Bernadette van Buchem as a member of the board of the Kansspelautoriteit.

What is the role of the vice chair at the Kansspelautoriteit?
The vice chair supports the chair in strategic decision making and contributes to governance oversight and institutional accountability.

What are Verheij’s main focus areas at the regulator?
Her focus areas include governance, integrity and compliance which are central to the authority’s long term strategy.

How is the Kansspelautoriteit structured?
The board consists of a chair and two part time members who collectively oversee regulatory policy and supervision.

Why is governance important in gambling regulation?
Strong governance ensures consistent enforcement decisions, transparency in operations and public confidence in regulatory outcomes.

How has the Dutch gambling market changed since 2021?
Since online gambling regulation began in 2021, the market has expanded with licensed operators and increased enforcement against illegal offerings.

What challenges does the regulator face?
Challenges include cross border gambling services, advertising oversight and ensuring effective player protection measures.

Does the appointment signal a change in regulatory policy?
There is no indication of a change in policy direction. The appointment appears to reinforce continuity and strengthen governance capacity.