Dutch gaming trade association names former MP Rosemarijn Dral as new director
Dral was the VVD’s spokesperson on gambling and other legal matters
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gaming trade association VNLOK has named former parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral as its new director. Dral served as a member of parliament for the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from July 2024 until November 2025.
Dral’s political connections may prove to be an asset for the association as calls for online gaming reforms continue. During her time in office, she acted as the party’s spokesperson on gambling and other legal matters. VVD forms part of the coalition government established after the October 2025 elections, alongside Democratic 66 (D66) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).
Challenges for the Dutch gambling sector include the revised tax framework that saw the rate on gross gambling revenue (GGR) rise from 30.5 per cent to 34.2 per cent in January 2025 and to 37.8 per cent from the start of this year. That led operators such as LiveScore Bet and Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola to exit the market. The regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has reported a decline in tax revenues as a result of the hike.
Gambling companies are already barred from sports sponsorships and from using public figures like footballers in promotional campaigns, but a new proposal seeks a complete ban on gambling ads in the Netherlands, while the previous government had mooted a proposal to raise the minimum age for online casino gaming to 21.
Dral’s appointment follows VNLOK’s merger with the Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA) last year to consolidate industry representation.
Reflecting on her new role, she stated: “The regulation of online gambling touches upon important societal themes such as consumer protection and enforcement. I see it as my mission to work with members, the government, and regulators on policies that truly contribute to responsible and safe gaming in practice. VNLOK aims to be transparent in this regard, continue the dialogue, and contribute to political decision-making and implementation with facts.”
VNLOK Chairman Björn Fuchs added: “Rosemarijn Dral has a keen eye for social responsibility, combined with extensive experience in the political and administrative domains. With this, she strengthens VNLOK in a market that is rapidly evolving and in which cooperation is essential to properly protect consumers and effectively combat illegal supply. With Rosemarijn, we are taking an important step in the further professionalisation and visibility of VNLOK.”
