Holland Casino has initiated a major shake-up of its online division, appointing Jan Paul van Heemskerck van Beest as its new head.
Van Heemskerck van Beest will transition from his current position of Director Guest & Product Development to take up the new role, formed as part of the changes.
He will replace the outgoing Director of Digital Transformation, Jeroen Verkroost, who will step away from the company on 1 April. This role will now be abolished.
Additionally, Holland Casino’s online IT department, previously overseen by Vekroost, has been placed under the supervision of the Director of Casino Technology & Operations Support, Pieter Boers.
KSA thwarts illegal poker tournaments
The state-owned Holland Casino is the only operator authorised to offer land-based gaming in the Netherlands – a position it has held since 1975.
However, a recent investigation has highlighted the presence of the black market in the Netherlands.
During the final quarter of 2024, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gaming authority, shut down several illegal poker tournaments and recovered tens of thousands of euros in cash.
Six tournaments across Amsterdam, Asten, The Hague, Rotterdam and Tilburg were halted by the regulators in conjunction with police and municipalities. According to the body, significant cash sums were also seized at each location, including €40,000 in one case.
Additionally, last month, the KSA also imposed a €110,00 penalty on the organiser of unlicensed poker.
In doing so, the KSA warned against the dangers of illegal poker tournaments due to their links to criminal activity.
It stated: “Illegal poker tournaments are often part of subversive crime, in which criminals use legal businesses (such as catering establishments) or citizens for criminal activities.
“In addition, poker players are at risk of gambling addiction, especially when playing in an uncontrolled environment with high stakes.”
