Maarten Haijer Joined World Gaming and Betting Alliance
The former European Gaming and Betting Association leader has taken on the new role of director general.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in People
Maarten Haijer has officially joined the World Gaming and Betting Alliance as its new director general. He announced his transition into this leadership position through a recent social media statement.
Why it matters
This appointment marks a strategic shift for the newly formed alliance as it prepares for its official market entry. Haijer brings extensive experience from his tenure at the European Gaming and Betting Association.
Maarten Haijer brings 13-and-a-half years of experience from his previous tenure at the European Gaming and Betting Association. He previously held roles with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands' Permanent Representation to the EU.
The players
Maarten Haijer
He is the newly appointed director general of the World Gaming and Betting Alliance who previously served for over a decade at the European Gaming and Betting Association.
World Gaming and Betting Alliance
This is an international organization currently preparing for its formal launch and the release of its first flagship report.
The details
Haijer transitioned into this new leadership capacity following the conclusion of his long-standing role at the European Gaming and Betting Association in September 2026. The World Gaming and Betting Alliance is now positioning itself for a formal launch in Geneva later this year.
Timeline
Maarten Haijer concluded his tenure at the EGBA in September 2026.
The WGBA plans its formal launch and report release in Geneva in late 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition signals a strategic reorganization of international gaming advocacy following the conclusion of the 2026 European Gaming and Betting Association leadership transition. It marks a significant pivot for the sector as established leaders migrate to newly forming alliances.
Industry stakeholders and associated members should anticipate new policy developments and reports from the alliance starting in late 2026. These upcoming publications may influence regulatory expectations and standards within the global betting market.
The takeaway
This appointment highlights how seasoned veterans are pivoting toward new international platforms to shape industry standards. Readers should watch for the upcoming inaugural report to understand the new alliance's long-term policy priorities.
What happens next
The World Gaming and Betting Alliance is scheduled to formally launch and publish its first flagship report in Geneva in late 2026.
Further reading
For more information on career movements in the industry, visit the People section.
