Dutch gambling trade association VNLOK has appointed former member of parliament Rosemarijn Dral as its new director.
Dral was a member of the Netherlands’ House of Representatives between 2024 and 2025, representing the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
Her political career began in 2005, when she became a parliamentary assistant at the local VVD in the municipality of Oostzaan aged 19.
She later became a local councilor in 2010, party group leader in the Oostzaan municipal council in 2014, and acted as an alderman of the municipality from 2018 to 2024.
VNLOK said it selected Dral to lead the organisation for her administrative experience and focus on social responsibility.
In her new role, she will shape the trade association’s positioning among members, government, regulators and the group’s partners, such as addiction care providers, according to a VNLOK press release.
VNLOK celebrates appointment
“Rosemarijn Dral has a keen eye for social responsibility, combined with extensive experience in the political and administrative domains,” commented VNLOK Chairman Björn Fuchs.
“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.”
Dral added on her appointment: “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 describes itself as an association “committed to a safe, fair, and responsible online gambling market”. Its members include Holland Casino, Nederlandse Loterij, bet365-owned Hillside, and LeoVegas, among others.
The organisation advocates for measured regulation in the Netherlands’ gambling sector. It recently argued against a government proposal to ban gambling marketing outright, suggesting this would drive more players to the unregulated market.
