EGBA appoints Pierre Tournier as interim Secretary General from September

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has appointed Pierre Tournier as interim Secretary General, effective 1 September 2026, following Maarten Haijer’s decision to step down after nearly two decades with the association. The leadership transition marks a significant change for the Brussels-based trade association at a time when Europe’s regulated online gambling market continues to face evolving regulatory requirements and concerns surrounding the illegal market.

EGBA announced the change on 27 August 2026. Haijer has served as Secretary General since 2013 after joining the organisation in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs. During that period, EGBA developed a stronger institutional presence across Europe while increasing its focus on consumer protection, regulatory standards and the development of competitive licensed markets.

Leadership change at EGBA

Haijer’s departure represents the end of a long period of leadership at EGBA. According to the association, his tenure included deeper engagement with EU institutions and national authorities as well as continued efforts to support a safe and sustainable online gambling environment.

Haijer said: “It has been a privilege to lead EGBA and to work alongside our members, colleagues, partners, regulators and policymakers towards the common objective of a safe and sustainable online gambling sector in Europe. The European sector has changed almost beyond recognition during my time at EGBA – from pioneering start-ups to world-leading digital entertainment providers, with licences across the globe.

We have achieved a great deal together, moving the industry forward and helping shape an environment that works far better for players as well, though important challenges remain. 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.”

The statement reflects the broad evolution of European online gambling during Haijer’s years at the organisation. The market has become more structured across many jurisdictions, while governments and regulators have continued to place greater emphasis on licensing, player protection, advertising standards and measures designed to reduce illegal gambling activity.

Pierre Tournier takes interim role

Pierre Tournier will formally assume the interim Secretary General position on 1 September 2026. He joined EGBA in November 2025 as Senior Director and has more than 15 years of experience in gambling-sector lobbying and advocacy across multiple jurisdictions.

Before joining EGBA, Tournier held senior positions at the Betting and Gaming Council and the Remote Gambling Association. His work at EGBA has included strategic initiatives involving national and international trade bodies as well as efforts addressing the growth of the illegal online gambling market.

Tournier also has a legal and European policy background. He holds an LLM in European Law from University College Dublin and BA and MA qualifications in Law from the University of Toulouse.

Speaking about his appointment, Tournier said: “I would like to pay tribute to Maarten for his outstanding work. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and his name will always be synonymous with EGBA. These are big shoes to fill, and I am deeply honoured by the confidence both he and our members have shown in me.

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. 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.”

The focus of Tournier’s initial statement suggests that illegal online gambling will remain a prominent issue in EGBA’s policy work. At the same time, his comments indicate that the association intends to continue promoting regulatory cooperation and industry-wide standards rather than making the leadership change a break with its established policy direction.

Illegal market remains a central concern

The issue of illegal gambling has increasingly become part of the wider regulatory discussion in Europe. Licensed operators are required to comply with national rules that can cover responsible gambling measures, identity checks, advertising restrictions, anti-money laundering obligations and other consumer safeguards.

By contrast, unlicensed websites may operate outside those established frameworks. EGBA has repeatedly argued that effective regulation should support strong consumer protection while also encouraging consumers to use authorised services. The association has therefore placed market channelisation and enforcement against illegal operators among its continuing priorities.

Tournier’s reference to the illegal market as a major threat places the issue at the centre of his interim mandate. It also connects with his previous responsibilities at EGBA, where combating the black market has been one of his strategic areas of work.

The regulatory environment itself is becoming more complex. European countries continue to develop their own gambling rules while EU institutions address broader questions involving digital services, consumer protection, financial compliance and online marketplaces. The result is a policy environment in which industry associations must maintain dialogue across several levels of government.

EGBA expands industry standards and engagement

During Haijer’s leadership, EGBA strengthened its engagement with national and European institutions and continued advocating for regulated markets based on licensing and consumer safeguards.

The association describes itself as a Brussels-based trade body representing major online gambling operators established, licensed and regulated within the European Union. It works with regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders with the stated objective of encouraging a well-regulated online gambling market that protects consumers.

EGBA’s current membership data shows that its members collectively hold 401 online gambling licences across 22 European countries and represent approximately 30% of Europe’s online gambling gross gaming revenue. These figures underline the association’s role as a significant representative body within the regulated European sector.

Alongside policy engagement, EGBA has developed industry standards covering areas such as responsible advertising, anti-money laundering and player protection. The association has also been involved in establishing initiatives intended to encourage cooperation among operators and other stakeholders.

Safer gambling remains part of EGBA’s agenda

Player protection is another important element of EGBA’s work. The association organises European Safer Gambling Week, an annual initiative aimed at increasing awareness of safer gambling and encouraging cooperation between industry participants, regulators, support organisations and other stakeholders.

The 2026 edition is scheduled for 16 to 22 November. The initiative has grown substantially over recent years, with EGBA reporting increasing participation from organisations across Europe.

EGBA has also supported the development of common approaches to player protection. Its work around industry standards reflects a broader trend in European gambling regulation in which governments and sector participants are seeking greater consistency in responsible gambling practices.

That work is likely to remain relevant under Tournier, particularly as regulators continue to examine how online gambling products can be offered in a competitive environment while maintaining appropriate safeguards for consumers.

What the transition means for EGBA

The appointment of an interim Secretary General provides continuity while EGBA moves into its next leadership phase. Tournier already holds a senior position within the association and has been involved in key areas of its work since joining in late 2025.

That internal experience may help maintain existing relationships with regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders during the transition. It also means that the association’s immediate priorities are likely to remain broadly consistent, particularly in areas such as player protection, regulatory dialogue, industry standards and action against illegal gambling.

For Haijer, the departure closes a long chapter at EGBA after almost 18 years with the organisation. His tenure coincided with major changes in the structure and scale of European online gambling, including the expansion of licensing models and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Conclusion

EGBA’s leadership transition comes at a consequential moment for Europe’s online gambling sector. Maarten Haijer leaves after nearly two decades with the association, including 13 years as Secretary General, while Pierre Tournier steps into the interim role with more than 15 years of sector experience and direct knowledge of EGBA’s policy agenda.

The change does not appear to signal a fundamental shift in the association’s direction. Instead, Tournier’s appointment points towards continuity combined with a strong emphasis on the issues that are shaping regulatory debate across Europe.

The illegal market, player protection and the quality of national regulatory frameworks are likely to remain central to EGBA’s work. As European jurisdictions continue to refine their gambling laws and policymakers examine how best to balance consumer safeguards with sustainable regulated markets, the association’s role in that debate is likely to remain closely watched.

For EGBA, the immediate task will be to preserve the institutional relationships and policy momentum built during Haijer’s tenure while responding to a regulatory landscape that continues to evolve. Tournier’s interim appointment therefore represents both a change of leadership and an important test of how effectively the association can maintain continuity while addressing the next phase of Europe’s regulated online gambling market.

FAQs

Who has been appointed interim Secretary General of EGBA?
Pierre Tournier has been appointed interim Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association, effective 1 September 2026.

Why is Maarten Haijer leaving EGBA?
Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General after nearly two decades with EGBA. The association has not indicated that his departure is linked to a regulatory dispute or disciplinary matter.

When did Maarten Haijer join EGBA?
Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs and became Secretary General in 2013.

How long has Pierre Tournier worked in the gambling sector?
Pierre Tournier has more than 15 years of experience in gambling-sector lobbying and advocacy across multiple jurisdictions.

When did Pierre Tournier join EGBA?
Tournier joined EGBA in November 2025 as Senior Director.

What did Pierre Tournier do before joining EGBA?
Before joining EGBA, Tournier held senior positions at the Betting and Gaming Council and the Remote Gambling Association.

What is EGBA?
EGBA is a Brussels-based trade association representing leading online gambling operators established, licensed and regulated within the European Union.

What are EGBA’s main areas of work?
EGBA focuses on regulatory dialogue, industry standards, player protection, responsible advertising, anti-money laundering and efforts to address illegal online gambling.

How many licences do EGBA members hold?
EGBA says its members collectively hold 401 online gambling licences across 22 European countries.

When will European Safer Gambling Week 2026 take place?
European Safer Gambling Week 2026 is scheduled to take place from 16 to 22 November 2026.