Peter-Paul de Goeij, who has been at the helm of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) since 2019, is set to vacate his position as director effective from July 1. In a strategic announcement, NOGA revealed that De Goeij will be leaving the Netherlands entirely, marking an end to an influential tenure.
Stepping into the interim role is Eric Konings, who has been actively involved with NOGA since 2022. Assisting him will be Frans van Steenis, the former chief executive of Staatsloterij, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization during this transitional period.
Expressing his gratitude, Remko de Boer, Chairman of the NOGA Board of Directors, lauded De Goeij for his significant contributions. “We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his efforts over the past five years, in which he has excellently shaped the transformation from SpeelVerresponsible to NOGA,” De Boer stated. He further emphasized that De Goeij’s leadership had empowered NOGA to effectively represent its members during some of the industry’s most turbulent times.
Reflecting on his tenure, De Goeij remarked, “The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gaming market as an absolute highlight. I am now stepping down, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to make efforts to provide a safe and responsible gaming offering. That is and remains the best way to achieve optimal consumer protection.”
The announcement of De Goeij’s departure signals the beginning of what NOGA describes as a “strategic reorientation” phase. With the Dutch online gambling sector facing numerous challenges, this reorientation aims to address these issues head-on and chart a future path for the organization.
Interim Director Eric Konings emphasized his commitment to navigating these challenges. “The industry is facing some major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members achieve this,” Konings asserted. He acknowledged the need for a strategic outlook, saying, “In addition, NOGA is explicitly considering how the representation of the industry’s interests can be organized in a future-proof manner.”
Frans van Steenis echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in a rapidly evolving gaming sector.
. “A lot is happening in the gaming sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policymakers, and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all those involved in the gambling dossier,” Van Steenis said.
This leadership transition at NOGA corresponds with a series of ongoing shifts in the Dutch gambling industry. A dramatic change took place in July 2023 when untargeted advertising was banned. That legislative action was followed by a decisive house vote in April, aiming to prohibit all online gambling advertising.
In addition to advertising restrictions, the Dutch Parliament is also deliberating over a bill that seeks to ban “high-risk gambling” activities, including online slots. Despite the house’s approval, the fate of this proposed legislation remains uncertain as it awaits review by Franc Weerwind, the Netherlands Minister for Legal Protection, who is also poised to leave his position amid broader governmental changes.
Further stirring the pot is a proposed hike in gambling taxes, which has sparked considerable controversy. The proposal to increase the gambling tax rate to 37.8% emerged from a coalition agreement among four political parties: PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB. This tax increase, if implemented, is projected to bolster the state treasury by an additional €202 million annually.
As these multifaceted changes loom on the horizon, the NOGA is bracing for a period of intense activity and strategic maneuvering. The organization’s reorientation is poised to play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, and the interim leadership of Konings and Van Steenis will be instrumental in guiding NOGA through this transformative period.
Peter-Paul de Goeij’s departure signifies not just a change in leadership but also a critical moment for NOGA to recalibrate its strategic vision and reinforce its role within the industry. As Eric Konings and Frans van Steenis take the reins, they carry with them the responsibility of ensuring NOGA’s continued advocacy for safe and responsible gaming practices, while adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape of the Dutch gambling sector.
