The Netherlands Online Gambling Association has announced that Peter-Paul de Goeij is stepping down from his position as director due to a shift in the association’s strategy.
De Goeij will be leaving his position at NOGA on 1 July. De Goeij will be leaving the Netherlands, according to NOGA.
Eric Konings, who has been with NOGA as a director since 2022, will be the interim director. Former Staatsloterij Chief Executive Frans Van Steenis will support Konings in his new role.
Remko De Boer, chairman of the NOGA Board of Directors, has praised De Goeij’s work during his tenure.
De Boer stated that “we are grateful for Peter-Paul’s efforts in the last five years. He has shaped this transformation beautifully from SpeelVerresponsible into NOGA.” This has allowed NOGA to represent its members’ interests in an industry that is undergoing a turbulent time.
De Goeij said: “The last few years were hectic with the Dutch Online Gaming Market as the absolute highlight.
“I’m now retiring, but I know that the industry will continue its efforts to offer a safe and responsibly gaming experience. This is the only way to ensure maximum consumer protection.
NoGA A Strategic Change for NOGA
NOGA stated that De Goeij’s departure offers the organization an opportunity for a “strategic realignment” amid difficult times in The Netherlands.
NOGA stated that the organization’s re-orientation will focus on challenges facing the Netherlands industry, and the future direction of the organisation.
Konings will be working with Van Steenis in his interim position to reorient NOGA.
Konings said, “The current social and political climate is a major challenge for the industry. I am looking forward to working with NOGA members in order to overcome these challenges.”
The NOGA also considers how to organise the future-proof representation of industry interests.
Van Steenis stated: “A great deal is going on in the gaming industry at this time. More clarity and improved cooperation benefit licensed providers, policymakers and the society. “I want to see how we can build bridges between those who are involved with the gambling dossier.”
There is uncertainty in the Netherlands
De Goeij’s departure coincides with a series of proposals and changes in the Netherlands gambling industry.
In July 2023, untargeted ads will be banned. In April of this year, the House voted on a ban on all advertising for online gambling.
Along with the bill on online gambling advertising, there was also a prohibition of “high risk gambling” including online slot machines.
It is still unclear, however, whether or not the bill will pass. The law was sent to Franc Weerwind, the Netherlands’ minister of legal protection to be reviewed. Weerwind will be leaving his post soon due to upcoming changes in government.
A proposal in the Netherlands to raise the gaming tax from 37.2 to 37.8% is another potential change that has caused controversy. Four political parties had included this change in their coalition agreement.
This increase in taxes would bring the State Treasury an additional EUR202m ($219.6m/PS173.3m/PS173.3m) in gaming tax payments each year. PVV, VVD NSC, and BBB were four of the parties that took part.
