Former EGBA Chief Maarten Haijer To Lead New Global Gambling Body

The World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA) has launched as a new global organisation for the gambling sector, with former European Gaming and Betting Association secretary general Maarten Haijer appointed as director general.

This organisation will promote high standards of consumer protection, integrity and transparency. It also aims to unite regulated gambling operators, industry associations and other stakeholders around evidence-based policy.

WGBA Lists Major International Gambling Operators Among Its Inaugural Members

The WGBA website lists bet365, Entain, Flutter Entertainment and FDJ United among its inaugural members, although the operators have not publicly announced individual commitments.

“The WGBA is a central hub for intelligence, analysis and evidence on safe and sustainable gambling,” the alliance said. “In support of proportionate, evidence-based regulation, we provide credible global insights for our members, the wider industry, policymakers, regulators and the media,” It added.

The organisation will formally launch in November in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside the publication of its first flagship report.

Maarten Haijer Brings More Than 13 Years Of European Regulatory Experience

Haijer led the EGBA for more than 13 years and left the association only weeks before taking up his new role.

“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,” he said.

“The global regulatory landscape is evolving fast. The case for well-regulated markets has never been more important, both for consumers and for the societies in which they operate,” he added.

The WGBA said Haijer also brings experience from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands’ Permanent Representation to the EU.

The WGBA enters a crowded policy environment in which the industry is required to demonstrate more evidence, transparency and consumer protection. Haijer’s experience gives the group immediate credibility with European regulators, while the participation of large operators provides commercial reach.