Maarten Haijer Appointed Director General of New WGBA

WGBA Aims to Strengthen Global Gambling Regulation

Haijer announced his appointment on social media, outlining the alliance's mission to bring together stakeholders from the international gaming and betting industry around a common regulatory agenda.

“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,” Haijer stated.

The organization seeks to support regulatory frameworks that allow gambling to operate as a lawful and safe form of entertainment for adults, while addressing consumer protection and broader societal considerations.

Haijer also highlighted the rapid evolution of the global regulatory landscape and the growing importance of well-regulated markets for both consumers and the communities in which gambling operators conduct business.

Engagement with Regulators and Policymakers

As Director General, Haijer will lead WGBA's international engagement with regulators, policymakers and public health stakeholders. The alliance also intends to contribute to the development of a shared knowledge base on gambling data and evidence to inform policy discussions and regulatory decisions.

The initiative comes amid ongoing changes in gambling regulation across multiple jurisdictions, with governments and industry stakeholders continuing to debate market oversight, consumer protection and the role of evidence in shaping public policy.

WGBA's stated objective is to contribute to these discussions at a global level, advocating for regulatory approaches that support safer gambling environments.

Maarten Haijer's Experience in the Gambling Industry

Haijer brings extensive experience in gambling regulation, consumer protection and international trade. Before joining WGBA, he served as Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), where he worked on regulatory and policy issues affecting Europe's online gambling sector.

His previous experience also includes positions at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands' Permanent Representation to the European Union.

This background combines industry representation with public-sector and European policy experience, providing a foundation for WGBA's planned engagement with international regulatory authorities and other stakeholders.

WGBA to Launch Its First Flagship Report

The World Gaming and Betting Alliance plans to formally introduce the organization in Geneva later this year, accompanied by the release of its first flagship report.

The report is expected to form part of the alliance's broader effort to contribute data and evidence to international discussions on gambling policy. Further details about the launch and the organization's activities are expected in the coming weeks.

With Haijer at the helm, WGBA aims to establish a platform for international cooperation on gambling regulation, industry standards and consumer protection.