The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has set in motion the process of finding a new chairman, as the current incumbent, René Jansen, (in photo above), is preparing to step down from his role next year. This strategic move comes as Jansen’s term as chairman is due to conclude on 1 October 2024. He has opted not to seek reappointment, given that he will reach retirement age by the end of 2023.

Vacancy is open for a six-year term

The KSA has officially announced an open vacancy for the position of chairman for a period of six years. The appointment for the next Chairman is expected to be made by the Netherlands’ Minister for Legal Protection. As a part of the selection process, applications are being accepted from individuals interested in taking up this influential role, and the application window is scheduled to remain open until 12 November.

René Jansen intends to step down from his current role, allowing the newly appointed chairman to assume responsibilities well before the conclusion of his term.

Jansen expressed his thoughts on his tenure, saying, “In recent years, I have committed myself to the KSA’s mission of safe play with great energy and pleasure. There are many great challenges for the new chairman. The 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 holds great social value.”

Impressive career

René Jansen has had an illustrious career as chairman of the KSA since his appointment in October 2018. During his term, he also served as vice chairman and chairman of the Gambling Regulators European Forum. Prior to these significant roles, Jansen held positions such as vice president and president of the European Healthcare Fraud Corruption Network. He has been an active member of the boards of multiple regulatory and non-regulatory organizations.

Before assuming leadership roles in the regulatory world, Jansen contributed signficantly to the Dutch government’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. He also spent time as a consultant, gaining valuable experience in diverse fields.

Noteworthy regulatory achievements

Jansen’s tenure as KSA chairman oversaw some key milestones in the Dutch gambling landscape. He played a pivotal role in implementing the Remote Gambling Act and the launch of the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market in recent years. Under his supervision in the first half of 2023, the KSA imposed fines totaling almost €30 million on unlicensed operators who were accused of offering services in the Dutch market.

As Jansen prepares to pass the leadership to somebody new, it is expected that various other fines will be imposed during the remaining months of this year as part of the KSA’s ongoing efforts to regulate and supervise the gambling industry in the Netherlands.

Background on the Netherlands Gambling Authority

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit), commonly referred to as the KSA, was established in 2012. It is an independent administrative body responsible for regulating and supervising gambling activities in the Netherlands. The KSA’s primary objective is to ensure fair, safe, and responsible gambling within the country. It has played a significant role in the liberalization of the Dutch online gambling market, which became effective in 2021, allowing licensed operators to offer online gambling services to Dutch consumers. René Jansen’s tenure as chairman saw the KSA’s active role in enforcing regulations, granting licenses, and maintaining integrity in the Dutch gambling industry, which will be a part of his legacy as he prepares for retirement in 2024.

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