Michel Groothuizen has been appointed as the new chair of the board of directors at Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, succeeding René Jansen.
The announcement of Jansen's departure was made last October, following his six-year tenure at the helm of KSA. With Jansen reaching retirement age at the close of 2023, he opted not to seek reappointment, paving the way for Groothuizen to assume leadership starting July 1.
Groothuizen, currently serving as the deputy director general of the Judicial Institutions Service, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He also previously served as the policy director and director of FEZ in the Ministry of Justice and Security’s administrative department, founding KSA in his role as policy director.
Michel Groothuizen said: “From 2007 onwards, as policy director, I was responsible, among other things, for the gambling dossier. One of my tasks was to establish the Gaming Authority. We succeeded in 2012.”
"I think it is a wonderful challenge at this time to ensure safe gambling in a socially responsible manner and to combat negative consequences, such as gambling addiction.”
Groothuizen's appointment coincides with a period of significant activity within both KSA and the broader Dutch gambling market. Notable developments include the introduction of measures by Franc Weerwind, the Netherlands’ minister of legal protection, aimed at strengthening safer gambling regulations.
These amendments, now submitted to the European Commission for consultation, seek to bolster provisions outlined in the KOA (the Netherlands’ online gambling law) to better safeguard players. Key changes include mandates for operators to establish contact points with players and display betting transactions in euros.
In parallel with Groothuizen's appointment, KSA also recently issued its largest-ever fine of €19.6 million ($21.44 million) against Gammix Limited. This penalty arises from Gammix's failure to adhere to previous directives. In response to the fine, Phil Pearson, director of Gammix, decried the penalty as "outrageous and unsubstantiated," vowing to contest the ruling.
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2024/03/14/71243-michel-groothuizen-named-chairman-of-netherlands-39-gambling-regulator