Small enough to move fast, big enough for social impact

From marketing campaigns and responsible gaming to AI: data plays a bigger role at Nederlandse Loterij than you might expect. As Technical Product Owner Data Management, Jasper Nieuwdorp and his team are continuously developing the data platform, in an environment where speed and impact go hand in hand. “We’re small enough to move fast, yet big enough to make an impact on society.”

Where technology and Product Ownership come together

Jasper has been with Nederlandse Loterij for over a year and a half. As a Technical Product Owner, he combines his technical expertise with Product Ownership. “I’m interested in technology, but I also enjoy Product Ownership. In this role, I don’t have to choose between the two.”

His work centres on the ongoing development of the data platform. He talks to stakeholders about what they need, translates those needs for the team and sets priorities. “For me, prioritising isn’t just about deciding what we do first. It’s about making clear where we can make the biggest impact together.”

He works alongside a team of engineers, testers and analysts. “I give the team direction, but also the freedom to use their expertise to find the best solution. My strength lies in bringing the right experts, interests and ideas together.”

Short lines of communication, big ambitions

That way of working reflects Jasper’s experience of Nederlandse Loterij. Communication is direct and there is plenty of room to take initiative. At the same time, he works for a major organisation with gaming brands that almost everyone in the Netherlands knows.

“That makes the impact of your work very tangible. And if you think something can be done better, don’t keep it to yourself. Sharing ideas and challenging each other are actively encouraged.”

Without data, there are no informed decisions

The importance of data can be felt throughout the organisation. It shows how a marketing campaign is performing, for example, but it is also crucial to responsible gaming and complying with laws and regulations.

“Without our work, important decisions would be based on gut feeling rather than data. You wouldn’t know how a campaign is performing or when a player is approaching certain limits. Reliable data is also essential for meeting the strict regulatory requirements in our industry.”

A modern data platform is more than a technical end point. It is a starting point for innovation, better services and AI applications. “Our product may be technical, but its impact is tangible. We’re building the foundation that brings data, analytics and AI together, enabling Nederlandse Loterij to innovate faster, make better decisions and fulfil its social responsibility even more effectively.”

And that impact continues to grow. “Every new data source, every new team and every new application strengthens the platform and, in turn, Nederlandse Loterij as a whole.”

Leading the way in responsible gaming

Data also helps Nederlandse Loterij fulfil its social responsibility. The organisation doesn’t just want to comply with laws and regulations, but to keep looking for ways to do even better.

Jasper sees first-hand how seriously that responsibility is taken. “If we have to choose between an option that generates more revenue and one that is better for the player, we choose the player without hesitation. Responsible gaming isn’t just something we talk about. We act on it.”

Nederlandse Loterij also aims to lead by example in how data is used within the gaming sector. The organisation is developing its own model to identify risky gaming behaviour even more effectively. This will allow it to take more relevant factors into account than the current solution. “We want to lead the way and keep improving. The smarter we use data, the better we can serve and protect our players.”

Going for gold, together

The ambitions are high. It’s a mindset that reminds Jasper of top sport. “We celebrate the milestones we achieve, but in a way, we’re like top athletes. We want to keep going until we win that gold medal.”

But you don’t win a medal on your own. If Jasper had to describe Nederlandse Loterij in one word, it would be together. “What makes Nederlandse Loterij strong is that we combine big ambitions with an open culture where people genuinely help each other move forward. What matters is that the whole team crosses the finish line.”

Would you like to use data and technology to build solutions that make a difference in society? Explore our Data & IT vacancies.