The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA) has released additional information regarding its role model ban, which prohibits any influencer, streamer or similar personality from collaborating with operators to promote online games of chance.
The role model ban was originally introduced to better protect vulnerable groups, such as young adults, but failed to provide clarity on which individuals would be included under the ban prior to the 24 February release.
KSA issued a letter to Dutch license holders stating the ban is not limited to streamers or influencers who are known to a wider audience, but rather any individual with public exposure, such as bloggers, vloggers or any similar personality.
The Dutch regulator also requested license holders terminate any ongoing or future collaborations with such figures as soon as possible.
Influencers, streamers and other online personalities may also not be used for recruitment or advertising purposes.
On 10 February, Carol Verheij was appointed as a new member of the KSA’s Board of Directors, with her term set to begin on 1 March 2026.
Verheij will succeed Bernadette van Buchem as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, with the appointment formally announced by the State Secretary for Justice and Security in the Government Gazette.
Verheij currently serves as Secretary-Director of the Dutch Safety Board and brings extensive experience from across the Dutch public sector.
Previous roles include General Director of screening authority Justis and Acting General Director of the Child Protection Council, both operating under the Ministry of Justice and Security.
The KSA took a firm stance against Polymarket on 17 February, threatening to fine the operator up to €840,000 ($992,000) if it does not stop offering event contract trading to residents in the Netherlands
