KSA welcomes new experts to strengthen advisory board

The Dutch gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced the appointment of two distinguished professionals, Marjolein Hoogland and Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken, to its Advisory Board. This decision is intended to enhance the board’s knowledge base and assist the regulator in addressing the changing complexities within the Dutch gambling sector.

New appointments and their roles

Marjolein Hoogland and Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken will serve on the Advisory Board for a term of three years. Their addition marks a significant enhancement of the board, which was originally formed 11 years ago. They will join the existing Chairperson, Anita Vegter, as well as council members Haiko van der Voort and Peter Kerkhof.

Anita Vegter, as Chair of the Advisory Board, expressed confidence in the new appointments, underscoring the valuable knowledge and experience they bring to the regulatory framework.

Background of Ingmar Franken

Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken is a well-respected academic and practitioner in the field of clinical psychology. Currently, he serves as a professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where he specializes in Clinical Psychology. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Franken is also the Head of the Centre for Addiction and Substance Research (CESARO) in Rotterdam, a leading research facility dedicated to addiction studies.

His career began in 1994, during which he has held several prominent positions at institutions such as Erasmus University and Antes, a specialized addiction treatment center. Franken’s deep understanding of addiction and behavioral science positions him as a vital asset to the KSA Advisory Board, particularly in assessing the social impacts of gambling and developing policies to mitigate associated harms.

Background of Marjolein Hoogland

Marjolein Hoogland has a distinguished legal career, currently serving as the National Chief Advocate General of the Ressortsparket, the Dutch court of appeal. Her prosecutorial expertise is extensive, having previously held the role of Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor at the District Public Prosecutor's Office in The Hague.

Her legal background brings a strong prosecutorial and judicial perspective to the Advisory Board, particularly relevant for regulatory enforcement and legal compliance matters within the Dutch gambling industry.

Context of the appointments amid regulatory challenges

These appointments arrive during a pivotal period for the gambling industry in the Netherlands. The KSA is actively responding to the consequences of recent legislative changes, including increased gaming taxes. The tax hikes were introduced as part of the government’s strategy to manage gambling revenues and public welfare. However, this increase has had unintended consequences, notably a decline in players on legal betting platforms.

Reports indicate that the tax increase has led to a substantial shortfall in expected tax revenues—approximately €30 million ($34.6 million) less in the first half of 2025 than forecasted. Additionally, illegal gaming activity has surged, suggesting that the tax hikes may be pushing players toward unregulated markets, thereby increasing risks related to consumer protection and fair play.

These developments have intensified the regulatory demands on the KSA and highlighted the importance of expert advisory input. The inclusion of experts like Franken and Hoogland is intended to fortify the board’s capacity to provide sound advice on managing these complexities, including balancing public interests, market regulation, and enforcement actions.

Expansion of regulatory committees

In addition to the new Advisory Board members, the KSA recently expanded its regulatory oversight by appointing Jaap Wieland to the Objections Advisory Committee. Like Hoogland and Franken, Wieland’s appointment is for a three-year term. The Objections Advisory Committee plays a crucial role in reviewing disputes and appeals related to regulatory decisions, ensuring that due process is maintained within the regulatory framework.

The role and significance of the KSA Advisory Board

The KSA Advisory Board serves as a consultative body to the Kansspelautoriteit, offering guidance on policy development, regulatory strategy, and industry oversight. Since its establishment 11 years ago, the board has been instrumental in supporting the regulator’s mandate to ensure a fair, transparent, and safe gambling environment in the Netherlands.

With the rapid evolution of the gambling market—accelerated by digital platforms, international competition, and shifting consumer behavior—the advisory board’s role has never been more critical. Members are selected for their expertise across legal, social, psychological, and economic dimensions to provide comprehensive perspectives on the multifaceted challenges facing the sector.

Conclusion

The appointment of Marjolein Hoogland and Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken to the KSA Advisory Board reflects the regulator’s commitment to strengthening governance and expert oversight at a time of significant regulatory pressure. Their combined experience in law and addiction psychology is expected to contribute substantially to the KSA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Dutch gambling market while protecting consumers and public interests.

As the Netherlands continues to refine its regulatory approach in response to emerging challenges such as increased taxation and illegal gambling activity, the input of seasoned experts will be vital to crafting balanced, effective policies for the future.

FAQs

Who are the new members appointed to the KSA Advisory Board?
Marjolein Hoogland and Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken have been appointed to the KSA Advisory Board for three-year terms.

What are the professional backgrounds of the new appointees?
Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken is a clinical psychology professor and addiction researcher, while Marjolein Hoogland is a senior legal professional serving as National Chief Advocate General.

How long will Hoogland and Franken serve on the KSA Advisory Board?
Both will serve for a period of three years.

What is the role of the KSA Advisory Board?
The Advisory Board provides expert guidance to the KSA on regulatory policies, enforcement, and industry oversight.

Why is the appointment of new board members significant now?
The Dutch gambling sector is facing challenges from increased gaming taxes and rising illegal gambling, requiring enhanced expertise in regulation and policy.

What impact has the increase in gaming taxes had in the Netherlands?
It has caused a decline in legal betting participation and a tax revenue shortfall of approximately €30 million in the first half of 2025.

What is CESARO, which Prof. Franken leads?
CESARO is the Centre for Addiction and Substance Research in Rotterdam, focused on studying addiction issues.

Who is the Chair of the KSA Advisory Board?
Anita Vegter is the Chairperson of the KSA Advisory Board.

What other recent appointments have been made by the KSA?
Jaap Wieland was appointed to the Objections Advisory Committee for three years.

How does the KSA address illegal gambling concerns?
Through regulatory oversight, enforcement actions, and advisory input to develop policies aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining market integrity.