Ex-parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral appointed to lead Dutch betting association VNLOK

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Dutch betting and gaming association VNLOK has named former parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral as its new Director.

Dral’s background in politics is expected to be an asset for VNLOK as the online gaming industry in the Netherlands faces renewed pressure from lawmakers.

Serving as an MP from July 2024 to November 2025, Dral is a member of the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and previously acted as the party’s spokesperson for gambling and other legal matters.

Her expertise is particularly relevant to VNLOK, given that the VVD is a partner in the Dutch coalition government formed following the October 2025 elections, alongside the centrist Democratic 66 (D66) and the centre-right Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).

“The regulation of online gambling involves critical societal issues, including consumer protection and regulatory enforcement,” Dral noted.

“I view it as my objective to collaborate with our members, the government, and regulators to develop policies that genuinely foster safe and responsible gaming in practice.”

“VNLOK is committed to transparency, maintaining open dialogue, and providing factual contributions to political decision-making and policy implementation.”

VNLOK appointment arrives during a challenging period

Dral takes on her role at VNLOK during a tense time for the Dutch gambling sector, following a 2024 tax agreement that increased the gross gambling revenue (GGR) tax rate from 30.5% to 34.2% on 1 January 2025, with a further rise to 37.8% scheduled for 1 January 2026.

These tax hikes have prompted operators such as LiveScore Bet and Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola to exit the Dutch market.

Beyond the mounting financial pressures, the regulated sector reports that it is struggling against a significant black market. Furthermore, the regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has noted a decline in regulated betting revenues.

Bookmakers are also under scrutiny regarding their marketing practices. Strict regulations implemented in 2024 include prohibitions on sports sponsorships and the use of ‘role models,’ such as professional footballers, in advertising.

Opposition parties—the ChristenUnie (CU) and the Socialist Party (SP)—are currently advocating for a total advertising ban and a proposal to increase KSA enforcement fines from 10% of an operator’s annual revenue to 100%.

Advocating for the industry’s interests to the government on these matters, particularly concerning the illegal market, will be a primary focus for VNLOK and Dral throughout 2026.

Dral’s appointment follows the merger of VNLOK with the Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA) in June of last year.

Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK, stated: “Rosemarijn Dral possesses a strong focus on social responsibility, paired with extensive experience in political and administrative spheres.”

“With this, she strengthens VNLOK within a rapidly changing market where collaboration is vital to ensure consumer protection and effectively combat illegal operations. By bringing Rosemarijn on board, we are taking a significant step toward the further professionalization and visibility of VNLOK.”