René Jansen, chair of the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa, Netherlands Gambling Authority), was today appointed chair of the Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF).
GREF is the European association of gaming regulators and has 41 members from 34 jurisdictions. In the context of GREF, they exchange information and experiences through structures such as thematic working groups.
The same issues
No 2 countries have the same gambling laws and regulations, and the approach that countries adopt to this issue is strongly determined by cultural factors. Nevertheless, as René Jansen explains, cross-border cooperation is extremely important. ‘Protecting consumers, preventing gambling addiction and combating illegality and criminality are high priorities for all regulators. By exchanging experiences, we can learn from each other. Generally speaking, we face the same issues. In the Netherlands, online gambling will be legalised and regulated this year. Other countries have gone before us, and there's no sense in reinventing the wheel. We can learn from the experiences of others. It is also important to work together to tackle illegal online gambling.’ A GREF working group is being set up to address this issue.
Term of the chairmanship
René Jansen is taking over the chairmanship from Jorn Starck, executive director of Alderney Gaming Control Commission. The normal term of the GREF chairmanship is 2 years. René Jansen had served as vice-chair of GREF since May 2019.