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Maarten Haijer Joins World Gaming and Betting Alliance as Director General: A New Era for Global Regulation

By jili tutorial · October 13, 2026

Maarten Haijer Joins World Gaming and Betting Alliance as Director General: A New Era for Global Regulation

The gaming and betting industry is set to witness a significant shift with the establishment of the World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA), headquartered in Geneva. The alliance has appointed Maarten Haijer, a seasoned leader in the industry, as its Director General. Haijer brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), where he championed well-regulated online gambling across Europe.

Introducing the World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA)

The WGBA is poised to launch formally later this year in Geneva, accompanied by its first flagship report. While the exact date remains undisclosed, the alliance’s mission is clear: to unite the global gaming and betting community around effective regulation, high industry standards, and evidence-based policy-making.

Haijer emphasized the alliance’s purpose in a LinkedIn announcement, stating:

“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 further highlighted the growing importance of well-regulated markets, both for consumers and the societies in which they operate.

WGBA’s Core Objectives: What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The WGBA has outlined several key objectives that underscore its commitment to fostering a safer and more transparent gaming and betting environment:

  1. Promote High Standards of Consumer Protection, Integrity, and Transparency
    The alliance will work to ensure that consumers are protected from potential harms associated with gambling, while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the industry.

  2. Support Evidence-Led Approaches to Reduce Gambling-Related Harm
    By leveraging data and research, the WGBA will advocate for policies that mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm.

  3. Tackle Illegal Gambling Worldwide
    Combating illegal gambling operations is a top priority, safeguarding consumers and ensuring a fair market for legitimate operators.

  4. Contribute to the Shared Knowledge Base on Gambling Data and Evidence
    The WGBA will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and data among industry stakeholders to inform better decision-making.

  5. Engage with Regulators, Policymakers, and Public Health Stakeholders
    The alliance will actively collaborate with key stakeholders to shape policies that balance public health concerns with industry growth.

Maarten Haijer’s Leadership: From EGBA to WGBA

Maarten Haijer’s appointment as Director General marks a natural progression in his career, following more than a decade of leadership at the EGBA. During his tenure, he transformed the EGBA into a leading voice for well-regulated online gambling in Europe. His accomplishments include deepening engagement with EU and national institutions, opening markets to regulated competition, and establishing the annual European Safer Gambling Week.

Before his tenure at EGBA, Haijer held significant roles at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands’ Permanent Representation to the EU, further solidifying his expertise in policy and regulation.

The Challenge of Illegal Gambling: A Global Issue

One of the WGBA’s primary goals is to combat illegal gambling, a pervasive issue that undermines consumer protection and industry integrity. According to a report by Gaming Compliance International (GCI) for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), unregulated operators in the EU generated €91.6 billion in online gross gambling revenue (GGR) in 2025, accounting for 72% of the total online gambling market. This represents a significant increase from €52.6 billion in 2023.

The WGBA’s efforts to tackle this issue will be critical in creating a safer environment for consumers and ensuring a level playing field for legal operators.

What Does This Mean for the Industry?

The establishment of the WGBA and Haijer’s leadership signal a new chapter for the global gaming and betting industry. By focusing on effective regulation and evidence-based policies, the alliance aims to address pressing challenges such as illegal gambling and gambling-related harm. This initiative is particularly timely given the industry’s rapid growth and the increasing complexity of regulatory frameworks worldwide.

As the WGBA prepares for its formal launch later this year, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this new alliance shapes the future of gaming and betting.

A Final Word: A Vision for the Future

Maarten Haijer’s appointment and the launch of the WGBA represent a bold step forward for the global gaming and betting industry. With a focus on consumer protection, integrity, and evidence-led policy, the alliance is well-positioned to address the challenges of today and pave the way for a safer, more regulated future.

Stay tuned for more updates as the WGBA prepares to unveil its flagship report and officially begin its mission.