Dutch Gambling Regulator Chairman to Step Down as Market Surges

René Jansen, the chairman of the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), will not seek reappointment as he approaches retirement age by the end of 2023. His current term as chairman is set to conclude on October 1, 2024.

After six years of steering the KSA, Jansen's tenure oversaw a substantial transformation in the Dutch gaming landscape, notably with the introduction of regulated online gambling in October 2021. His role extended beyond the national sphere as he served as chair and vice-chair of the Gambling Regulators European Forum.

Before joining the regulator, Jansen held the position of president at the European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network. He also held senior roles in various organizations, including the International Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands and Greenpeace. His professional journey featured several positions within the Dutch government.

Jansen expressed his commitment to KSA's mission, stating, "In recent years, I have dedicated myself to the KSA's mission of safe play with great energy and pleasure. There are many great challenges for the new chairman. KSA has an important role as a supervisor and enforcer in the various gaming markets. This management position is challenging, requires creativity, innovation, and decisiveness, but above all, it has great social value."

KSA has initiated a recruitment process to appoint Jansen's successor, who will be selected by the minister for legal protection and will serve a six-year term. Jansen's proposed resignation date is July 1, 2024.

The news of Jansen's departure coincided with KSA's publication of its annual report for 2022. The Dutch regulated market reported €3.4 billion in net gaming revenue (NGR) in 2022, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. The report is based on the first full calendar year for the Dutch online gambling market, and NGR for 2022 showed an impressive 85.0% increase from €2.0 billion in 2021.

KSA attributed this growth to the rise in online gambling and land-based play, especially following the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Land-based venues in the Netherlands remained closed until January 25, 2022, with restrictions gradually easing until February 25, 2022.

Online casinos dominated with 56% of the licensed market share, while sports betting remained one of the smallest gambling sectors in the Netherlands, holding a 9% market share.