Kansspelautoriteit renews governance and organisation: more focus on player protection and data
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27 Dec 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) is facing a new chapter. From 1 January 2026, the regulator will have a revamped board structure with one full-time chairman and two part-time board members. This change should make the Ksa more responsive to the rapidly changing gaming market and new challenges such as digitalisation and illegal supply.
More agility, more focus on the player – that is the aim of the redesign. According to the Ksa, the adjustment fits with its renewed strategy, in which player protection and data-driven supervision are central.
Modern governance for a modern regulator
Michel Groothuizen will stay on as chairman and will soon be the permanent face of the organisation. He is assisted by two part-time board members with expertise in digitalisation, governance and integrity. Recruitment for these is ongoing.
The new structure should make the Ksa more decisive. The three new directorates – Player Protection & Governance Advice, Licences & Supervision, and Digitalisation, Analysis & Operations – will have more responsibility for day-to-day management. This will allow the board to focus on strategy and social goals.
The adjustment comes at a time when the Ksa is taking on more and more tasks, partly due to the rise of online gambling and international cooperation. Earlier, the regulator was found to be struggling to effectively monitor all forms of internet gambling.
More focus on gambling harm and early warning
The new Player Protection Directorate will have a key role in preventing gambling problems. According to the Trimbos Institute, early signalling is essential to reduce gambling harm. With more data analysis and cooperation with healthcare institutions, the Ksa wants to be able to intervene faster when players are in danger of getting into trouble.
With the arrival of this board, the regulator is strengthening its social mission: protecting consumers in a market where the boundaries between legal and illegal supply are becoming increasingly thin.
Farewell to Bernadette van Buchem
The restructuring also marks the departure of vice-chair Bernadette van Buchem, who had served on the board since 2018. She was known for her human style and strong commitment. After 40 years in the public sector, she is bidding farewell, and Michel Groothuizen will remain the sole director for the time being until the new members are appointed.
The revamped structure should prepare the Kansspelautoriteit for the future – with a greater focus on players, technology and transparency.