EGBA’s New Secretary General Highlights the Black Market as Top Threat

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has unveiled a major leadership change, confirming that Maarten Haijer is stepping down as secretary general after roughly two decades with the association. The body also stated that Pierre Tournier has been appointed as Haijer’s successor on an interim basis. Tournier thanked the EGBA team for trusting him and vowed to continue the fight against the illegal gambling market. EGBA Parts Ways with Maarten Haijer In its announcement, the EGBA said that Haijer is stepping down as secretary general after 13 years in the position. Haijer joined the EGBA in 2008 and served as director of regulatory affairs before his eventual promotion to secretary general in 2013. In total, he has spent 18 years with the association, making significant contributions to the European gaming sector. Among other things, he played a key role in the transformation of the Old World’s iGaming market and championed the adoption of “safe, well-regulated, and competitive multi-licensed markets across the continent.” It was also during Haijer’s time as secretary general that the flagship annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative was created. The EGBA said that Haijer will be succeeded on an interim basis by Pierre Tournier, who is currently serving as a senior director. The appointment is effective from September 1, 2026. The EGBA noted that Tournier is no stranger to the gaming sector and is a former senior member of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). Haijer Trusts Tournier to Continue the EGBA’s Mission Haijer commented on his departure, saying that he feels privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the EGBA and shape European gaming alongside the rest of the team. He stated that he believes that the European sector has changed “almost beyond recognition” thanks to the EGBA’s efforts and added that he feels pleased with the organization’s achievements. While Haijer admitted that the European gaming sector continues to face certain challenges, he said that he believes this was the right time for this leadership change. I leave the association in a strong position and in very capable hands, and I am confident Pierre and the team will build on the momentum of recent years. I will make an announcement about my future shortly. Maarten Haijer, outgoing secretary general, EGBA Tournier thanked Haijer for his immense contributions to the European gaming sector and lauded the latter man’s “remarkable legacy.” He admitted that he feels that he has to fill some big shoes and thanked the EGBA team for trusting him with the future of the association. Speaking about his plans, Tournier said that he will continue the war on illegal gambling, without halting the EGBA’s mission to drive high industry standards. 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. Alongside this, we will continue our mission to drive high industry standards, promote regulatory best practices, and lead the debates that will shape our industry’s future. Pierre Tournier, secretary general appointee, EGBA In other news, the EGBA recently published its latest Annual Activity Report.