Dutch regulator strengthens board ahead of new bill

The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) has appointed economist Joop Pot to its board of directors as it prepares for 1 January deadline.

Pot, who is currently a member of the Council for the Judiciary, replaces Paul Tang, who announced he was leaving the regulator earlier this year.

He will join chairman Jan Suyver and director Marja Appelman to make up a three-person board at the organisation from 1 November.

Pot’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the Dutch gambling market, with a framework for online licences expected to be introduced early next year.

An updated draft bill is expected in the coming weeks before it heads for a vote in parliament later this year.

Politicians have set a target of 1 January 2015 to launch the country’s egaming market, however many believe it will be delayed.

Earlier this month the Dutch Council of Ministers confirmed operators wishing to enter a regulated online market will have to pay a 20% tax on profits after its members settled a disagreement which was threatening to delay regulatory progress.

The regulator has also acted to curb illegal marketing to Dutch customers prior to licences being awarded. Last week it warned sports betting firms that will continue to monitor what it considers to be illegal marketing activity in the country after a successful crackdown during the World Cup.

Following a spike in marketing activity ahead of the tournament, eight online sportsbooks received a letter in June warning them that advertising to Dutch residents is illegal under the Gaming Act.