Maarten Haijer to Depart EGBA After 13 Years Guiding European Online Gambling Reforms
TL;DR — Maarten Haijer steps down as EGBA secretary general after 13 years, having opened markets and advanced safer gambling initiatives. Pierre Tournier assumes interim leadership from September 1 with illegal gambling as the top priority. EGBA members hold over 400 licenses and represent 30% of European online GGR.
SCCG Take — The transition preserves advocacy continuity while sharpening focus on unlicensed threats, determining whether regulated operators can protect their European market position.
Maarten Haijer will step down as secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) at the end of August after 13 years in the role. He joined the group in 2008 and took the top post in 2013. Pierre Tournier will assume interim duties from September 1.
The EGBA credited Haijer with steering the association through a major transformation of Europe’s online gambling market. During his tenure the group helped open several European markets to competition, launched European Safer Gambling Week, and increased engagement with policymakers.
Haijer said: “The European sector has changed almost beyond recognition during my time at EGBA – from pioneering start-ups to world-leading digital entertainment providers, with licenses across the globe.” He added that important challenges remain but left the association in a strong position with capable hands to build on recent momentum. Haijer plans to announce his next move shortly.
Tournier’s Priorities Place Illegal Gambling at the Center
Tournier joined the EGBA in November 2025 and holds more than 15 years of gambling industry advocacy experience. He previously held senior roles at the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council and the Remote Gambling Association. His recent work has centered on coordination with other trade bodies and the response to illegal online gambling.
Tournier said: “I take on the role at a pivotal moment: Europe’s regulatory landscape is evolving quickly, and the growth of the illegal market remains the biggest threat to players and to the regulated sector alike – combating it will be central to our work.” He pledged continued pushes for higher industry standards, regulatory best practices, and stronger player protections.
The EGBA represents major online gambling companies licensed across the European Union. Its members hold more than 400 online gambling licenses in 22 European countries and account for approximately 30% of Europe’s online gambling gross gaming revenue, according to reporting by Casino.org News.
What the Transition Signals for Regulated Operators
The leadership handoff maintains established policy momentum at a time when illegal operators continue to erode licensed market share. How quickly the EGBA converts interim leadership into concrete enforcement gains against unlicensed activity will shape competitive conditions for its members across those 22 jurisdictions.
Reporting: Casino.org News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Europe's loudest trade voice changes hands at a time when unlicensed operators threaten 30% of the continent's online GGR.
We watch EGBA closely because they set the temperature for how Brussels and national capitals treat online gambling. Haijer opened markets; Tournier inherits a tougher fight — enforcement against black market operators that undercut our licensed partners across 22 countries. The pivot from expansion to protection is the story.
- Haijer departs after 13 years; Tournier takes interim role September 1
- EGBA members hold 400+ licenses in 22 countries, represent 30% of European online GGR
- Illegal gambling named top priority as regulatory landscape shifts
SCCG angle: SCCG places partners into European markets and connects them to advocacy groups like EGBA. When enforcement priorities shift, we help operators adjust compliance posture, find local counsel, and pivot commercial strategy to capture share from unlicensed competitors before regulators crack down.
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