René Jansen, current chairman of the board of directors of the Dutch gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit, has set his sights on unified European regulations after combining his duties in a new role.
Being named vice chairman of the Gaming Regulators European Forum, the organisation for the continents gambling regulators, the importance of international cooperation has been stressed, emphasising calls made by the European Gaming and Betting Association this week.
A sentiment that has also been echoed by the Ksa itself, due to the licensing process currently being organised in the content of its own Remote Gambling Act, which passed through Senate in February.
Allowing organisations to offer online gambling in the Netherlands under strict conditions, Jansen stated “other countries preceded us. All the more reason, therefore, where possible, to participate in experiences gained elsewhere”.
The GREF, as its recent annual meeting, also elected a new chairman of the group, with Jorn Starck, executive director of Alderney Gambling Control Commission, selected.
Regarding the importance of cross national cooperation, Jansen explained: “The laws and regulations concerning gambling are not the same in any country. Yet there are many common ground in our work.
“The protection of consumers, the prevention of gambling addiction and the fight against illegality and crime are of paramount importance to all regulators. By sharing experiences, we learn from each other.
“We are also confronted with the same issues. For example, a current topic is the appearance of gambling elements in games. All supervisors are looking at how to deal with this. Then it makes sense to work together, partly because there is a strong international character on both the gaming and the gambling market. “
This week the EGBA called upon the incoming European Parliament and Commission to act in the online gambling sector, more specifically to implement heightened protection for Europe’s online gamblers.
