Former EGBA Chief Maarten Haijer Becomes Director General of WGBA

The World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA) has launched as a new global body for the gambling sector, with Maarten Haijer, who previously led the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), selected to head up the organisation.

The WGBA has set a mandate to “promote high standards of consumer protection, integrity and transparency”. It aims to serve as a “global alliance” of regulated gaming and betting operators, industry associations and other stakeholders.

Though no operators have publicly committed to the new body, the WGBA website does list several major brands as members. These include Bet365, Entain, Flutter Entertainment and FDJ United.

“The WGBA is a central hub for intelligence, analysis and evidence on safe and sustainable gambling. This includes the benefits of regulated gambling, and the risks posed by illegal gambling operators,” the organisation said.

“In support of proportionate, evidence-based regulation, we provide credible global insights for our members, the wider industry, policymakers, regulators and the media. We aim to help stakeholders navigate complex debates with balanced, evidence-based information.”

Haijer confirms November launch for WGBA

While the organisation’s existence is now public knowledge, it will not have its formal launch until November.

Haijer, who will serve as director general of the WGBA, said this will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside publication of its first flagship report.

Haijer will lead the WGBA as director general after more than 13 years as secretary general of the EGBA, which was named among the new body’s initial members. In a LinkedIn post, Haijer, who left the EGBA just weeks ago, said that he was “excited” for a new chapter in his career.

“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.

“I look forward to engaging with regulators, policymakers and public health stakeholders to help shape the conversation on the global scale.”

The WGBA added on its own LinkedIn page: “Maarten brings extensive experience in gambling regulation, consumer protection and international trade, including thanks to his previous role at 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.”