Former European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) secretary general Maarten Haijer has been named as the director general for the newly formed World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA) trade body.
Haijer stepped down from his role with the European trade body in September after 13 years at the helm.
He was replaced by Pierre Tournier, who assumed the role in an interim capacity from 1 September.
As set out in its mission statement, the WGBA will look to “work with governments, regulators, law enforcement, public health authorities, international institutions, civil society and consumers to support policy outcomes grounded in evidence and tailored to national and local contexts”.
The group is registered as a non-profit association in Geneva, Switzerland, comprising a general assembly, a board and secretariat. Thus far, Haijer is the only listed employee.
Regarding its work, the WGBA said: “The World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA) is a global alliance of regulated gaming and betting operators, industry associations and other stakeholders.
“We encourage governments to prioritise evidence-led frameworks that clearly distinguish between regulated and unregulated operators, strengthen collaboration between regulators, public health authorities and the regulated sector.”
Among the organisations listed members are the EGBA, Flutter Entertainment, FDJ United, bet365 and Entain.
On Haijer’s appointment, a WGBA statement read: “Maarten brings extensive experience in gambling regulation, consumer protection and international trade, including thanks to his previous role as secretary general of the EGBA, and earlier positions with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands’ Permanent Representation to the EU.
“At WGBA, he leads a global effort to engage with policymakers and contribute to the shared knowledge base on gambling data and evidence, helping ensure regulation enables a safer environment for consumers.”
Haijer confirmed that the organisation’s formal launch is scheduled for later this year in Geneva, alongside the publiscation of its flagship report.
He added: “It is with great excitement that I announce a new chapter in my career, taking on the role of director general of the newly established World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA), based in Geneva.
“At WGBA, we aim to unite the international gaming and betting community around the shared purpose of championing effective regulation, high industry standards and evidence-led policy, so that gaming and betting can remain what it is for most adults: a lawful, safe form of entertainment.
“The global regulatory landscape is evolving fast, and the case for well-regulated markets has never been more important, both for consumers and for the societies in which they operate. I look forward to engaging with regulators, policymakers and public health stakeholders to help shape the conversation on the global scale.
“We will be formally launching WGBA later this year in Geneva, alongside our first flagship report. Excited for what’s to come in the weeks ahead.”
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The post Former EGBA chief to head up newly formed global trade body first appeared on EGR Intel.
Maarten Haijer announced as the director general for the World Gaming and Betting Alliance, just over a month after he stepped down from his previous role
The post Former EGBA chief to head up newly formed global trade body first appeared on EGR Intel.