Saudi Arabia introduces fresh Advisory Board members amid Dutch gambling sector's tax increase impact
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, has bolstered its Advisory Board with the addition of two new members: Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken and Hoogland. This brings the total number of board members to five.
Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken, a Clinical Psychology professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam, brings his expertise in game studies, behavioral economics, and consumer protection related to gambling to the table. He will focus on enhancing the regulatory framework using data-driven insights and academic research, and will prioritize consumer protection measures to monitor and mitigate problem gambling. Additionally, he will help the KSA adapt policies in response to higher gambling taxes, which may shift player behavior and affect market dynamics.
Hoogland, the National Chief Advocate General of the Dutch court of appeal (Ressortsparket), and a former Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor at The Hague's District Public Prosecutor's Office, will play a complementary operational and strategic role. Hoogland will oversee enforcement and compliance within the gambling sector to ensure operators follow new tax regulations properly. He will also engage with stakeholders, including operators and governmental bodies, to balance market health with regulatory objectives. Furthermore, Hoogland will address challenges arising from tax increases, such as potential illicit market growth or shifts in gambling participation.
These appointments come amid concerns over the effects of higher gaming taxes in the Netherlands, with declining participation in legal betting and a rise in illegal gambling activity. The tax hike has left revenues €30m ($34.6m) below target in the first half of 2025.
The new members will join the Board 11 years after its creation, alongside Chair Anita Vegter and members Haiko van der Voort and Peter Kerkhof. The news follows the KSA's recent appointment of Jaap Wieland to its Objections Advisory Committee, also for a three-year term.
With these new additions, the KSA aims to manage the consequences of increased gambling taxes, striving to protect consumers while maintaining a regulated, fair gambling market in the Netherlands.
- Prof. Dr. Ingmar Franken's focus on data-driven insights and academic research in game studies, behavioral economics, and consumer protection related to gambling will help the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) adapt policies in response to higher gambling taxes, which may affect business dynamics within the Dutch gambling market.
- Hoogland's responsibilities include overseeing enforcement and compliance within the gambling sector to ensure operators follow new tax regulations properly, thereby ensuring the financial integrity and business ethics of the Dutch gambling market.
