Eric Konings Steps Down: NOGA Announces Leadership Shift

Imagine one of the Netherlands’ leading gambling trade associations losing its interim director as major reforms loom.

That’s the scene at NOGA, where Eric Konings is stepping down while the Dutch industry grapples with fierce political pressure.

Picture a reshaped leadership pushing new strategies just as strict ad restrictions and policy shifts threaten operator stability.

Read on to discover how Konings’ departure could impact the Dutch iGaming agenda in the year ahead.

NOGA Leadership Shake-Up: Eric Konings Departs Amid Dutch Regulatory Overhaul

3 Key Points

1. Eric Konings to exit as NOGA interim director this quarter, following Peter-Paul de Goeij’s six-year tenure.
2. Leadership changes coincide with Dutch calls for a complete ad ban and tighter gambling controls.
3. Konings emphasizes that a well-regulated system remains the best protection despite mounting political challenges.

Eric Konings has announced his upcoming departure as interim director of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA). He took on the role last July, filling the gap left by Peter-Paul de Goeij, who served six years as managing director. Now, as NOGA pivots toward a “strategic reorientation,” Konings will exit in the current quarter.

The association foresees a sweeping evolution in how it represents online gambling operators. The new plan includes policy adjustments that better align with an industry under growing scrutiny. During his final stint, Konings says he will continue working toward NOGA’s objectives. However, the big changes coincide with intensifying regulatory pressures—particularly around advertising.

Calls for a Dutch Advertising Ban

Konings points to loud political voices demanding a complete gambling ad ban. Although untargeted ads are already illegal, some Dutch parliamentarians want even stricter measures. Further compounding the tension, loss limits have also found strong proponents among lawmakers.

Nevertheless, Konings remains convinced that a comprehensive licensing system is the best way to protect consumers. He suggests more accountability and transparency from licensed operators ensures safer gambling conditions. He adds: “The legitimacy of the licensing system is increasingly under pressure, but I remain convinced that such a system is the best way to guarantee consumer protection.”

Regulatory Landscape Intensifies

The Dutch cabinet is currently examining even more constraints on online gambling. Legal protections minister Teun Struycken is evaluating further restrictions—leading to speculation that a new wave of compliance demands could soon slam operators. Meanwhile, the Dutch gambling regulator (KSA) is researching additional harm indicators to detect problem gambling. The KSA aims to enhance prevention tactics, and it has already published a new fines policy to clarify penalty structures.

All this underscores a challenging environment for Dutch gaming brands. They must brace for potential upheavals in compliance, marketing, and day-to-day business. Yet for players, these developments aim to bolster consumer safeguards and reduce gambling harm.

Konings’ Reflections

Konings notes that he is “happy to help organisations navigate this situation” before finishing his NOGA directorship. He thanks colleagues for their support and underscores that—despite the friction—he believes rational, well-regulated gambling frameworks best serve the public interest. Looking ahead, NOGA is expected to announce a new leader who will champion fresh strategies suitable for a shifting environment.

With Konings’ departure, NOGA embarks on a fresh path just as the Dutch industry contends with heightened oversight. From calls for an ad ban to the KSA refining its enforcement policies, the sector faces unprecedented change. How NOGA adapts—and who leads it next—will significantly influence how operators respond to evolving regulations and consumer protection mandates.