Dutch Gambling Authority Appoints Carol Verheij as Vice-Chair Ahead of 2026 Overhaul

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, is renewing its leadership as it prepares to implement its 2026 agenda. Carol Verheij will join the Board of Directors as vice-chair on March 1. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding the regulator through the next phase of market oversight as it navigates an increasingly challenging regulatory climate.

Verheji Brings Valuable Leadership Experience

KSA has been instrumental in ensuring customer safety since the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands. To facilitate smoother operations, the regulator’s board will now consist of three members: a full-time chair and two part-time directors. They will dictate strategy, represent the authority publicly, and maintain relationships with government departments, international organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Together with my colleagues at the Gaming Authority and all other partners, I will make a positive impact on the reliability and safety of the gambling market.

Carol Verheij, KSA Board of Directors vice-chair

According to KSA Board of Directors chair Michel Groothuizen, Verheij’s inclusion will bolster the agency’s capabilities in legal matters and governance operations. The regulator aims to enhance its operations through better data analytics and enhanced response capabilities, addressing potential threats before they cause harm. Verheij’s experience with regulatory frameworks, integrity, and compliance will be invaluable in that mission.

With Carol’s appointment, the Gaming Authority is implementing a future-proof organizational structure that optimally supports its ambitions and strategy.

Michel Groothuizen, KSA Board of Directors chair 

Verheij has an impressive track record in public administration. She held multiple senior positions at various ministries, including Justice and Security, and served as secretary-director of the Dutch Safety Board. Her experience with oversight organizations and screening authorities aligns with the Ksa’s renewed emphasis on consumer safety.

The KSA Will Intensify Its Scrutiny

This new appointment aligns with the regulator’s 2026 agenda, which outlines harsher measures against illegal gambling and stricter supervision of licensed operators. The authority intends to expand its enforcement efforts against black-market operators by disrupting the broader infrastructure that allows illegal providers to operate. This can include payment processors, hosting services, and social media channels.

Player protection remains a priority. The Netherlands requires all online gambling operators to implement proactive customer safety measures as concerns mount over young adults and high-risk behavior. Regulatory risks include potential fines and sanctions for operators failing to comply with advertising regulations or anti-money laundering frameworks, particularly under the Netherlands’ implementation of EU rules.

The Dutch market has grown rapidly after the launch of online gambling in 2021. Topics like advertising volume, addiction safeguards, and offshore competition remain highly contentious, as critics argue that illegal operators continue to attract Dutch customers despite enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, licensed companies must contend with tighter limits that may affect profitability, underlining the need for skilled leadership at the KSA.