Now that the Dutch government has taken shape, the next person in charge of the gambling reforms has been announced.
Claudia Van Bruggen has emerged as the next Secretary for Legal Protections, nominated by the ranks of coalition party D66, whose leader Rob Jetten has become the new Dutch Prime Minister. David van Weel, a VVD politician, is the new Justice Minister, who Bruggen will report to.
Succeeding Teun Struycken who stepped down from the role late last year, Bruggen will take on the responsibilities of overseeing the still-ongoing implementation of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) reforms, which aim to stabilise the local gambling sector after years of turbulence since launching in 2021.
Some of the proposed motions include tighter rules around advertising, an extension of player protection policies, and more impactful regulatory action.
No rush for Dutch reforms
Reforms were put on ice for much of last year when the previous coalition government fell apart in June. Snap elections followed, leading to the current coalition of D66 alongside the Christian Democrats (CDA) and VVD – with the latter being the only coalition partner part of the last government.
Gambling matters will be predominantly handled by D66 and VVD by the looks of it, with not only Bruggen becoming a key figure there. Fellow party member Nathalie van Berkel has become D66’s nominee for new State Secretary of Finance – working under Finance Minister Eelco Heinen (VVD).
With Bruggen and van Weel focusing on the KOA reforms, van Berkel and Heinen will ensure the smooth transition of another gambling-centric development – the adoption of the new 37.8% gambling tax rate, which was introduced at the start of this year.
In terms of party policies, D66 is very pro-social funding, and is likely to see through a steadfast tax increase implementation so that the state Treasury remains topped up.
However, this could also backfire. Data released by Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the state gambling regulator, has shown that the last tax hike – combined with a list of enforced player restrictions – has actually led to licensed operators bleeding revenue and faltering channelisation rates.
If this trend continues, it will destabilise the sector even further, at which point D66 will be forced to come back to the drawing board.
Another possible scenario that could come into fruition as a result of the new coalition is the sale of state-owned Holland Casino, which the CDA has previously pondered due to continuous economic headwinds faced by the casino.
Leadership changes at all levels
Lastly, the KSA itself also announced a new addition to its team, with Carol Verheij joining as a member of the regulator’s Board of Directors. Her previous experience as Chief Secretary of the Netherlands’ Safety Investigation Board and Director General of the Council for Child Protection will further strengthen the new government’s plans for a more sustainable gambling market.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the KSA Board of Directors, said: “With Carol, an experienced public director joins our Board of Directors. In addition to her role as Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Board, she will focus in particular on themes that affect the legal frameworks, governance, integrity and compliance.
“Themes that are in full swing in the dynamic field of activity of the Gaming Authority. With its appointment, the Gaming Authority is further implementing a future-proof organisational structure that optimally supports the ambitions and strategy of the Gaming Authority.”