Maarten Haijer Joined World Gaming and Betting Alliance
The former EGBA official has transitioned to a leadership role at the newly forming industry advocacy group.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in People
Maarten Haijer has been appointed as the director general of the World Gaming and Betting Alliance (WGBA). The organization plans to officially launch in Geneva later this year.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a leadership transition for the emerging trade group as it prepares to release its first flagship report later in 2026. Haijer brings over a decade of experience from the European Gaming and Betting Association to the new role.
Maarten Haijer previously served 13-and-a-half years as secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association. His appointment precedes the formal organizational launch and first report release scheduled for late 2026.
The players
Maarten Haijer
The newly appointed director general of the World Gaming and Betting Alliance who previously served as secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association for over 13 years.
World Gaming and Betting Alliance
A nascent industry trade organization preparing for a formal launch in Geneva to represent interests within the international gambling and betting sector.
The details
Haijer joins the World Gaming and Betting Alliance following a career that includes roles at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands' Permanent Representation to the EU, and Algonquin Consulting. The new alliance is positioning itself for a formal launch in Geneva. Operators should monitor the organization's upcoming debut report for insights into its future regulatory and industry-wide priorities.
Timeline
September 2026: Maarten Haijer concluded his tenure at the European Gaming and Betting Association.
Late 2026: The World Gaming and Betting Alliance plans its formal launch and the release of its first report in Geneva.
Market Landscape
Haijer's move from the European Gaming and Betting Association to the World Gaming and Betting Alliance follows the industry's historical trend of forming specialized global advocacy groups. This development mirrors the scaling of regulatory lobbying efforts seen in established European trade bodies.
Operators in the betting and gaming space should prepare for the publication of the WGBA's inaugural report in late 2026. This document will likely outline the new alliance's advocacy priorities and serve as a key signal for future regulatory engagement.
The takeaway
The appointment of an experienced veteran like Haijer suggests the new alliance intends to quickly formalize its institutional influence. Market participants should monitor the group's debut report for signs of its policy agenda and industry positioning.
What happens next
The World Gaming and Betting Alliance is scheduled to hold a formal launch and publish its first flagship report in late 2026.
Further reading
For broader insight into sector leadership trends, review the latest updates on People.
