Gaming Regulators European Forum names new chairman

The Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) has appointed Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) chairman René Jansen to serve as its chairman for the next two years. GREF, which functions as an association of gaming regulators across Europe, boasts 41 members operating from 34 different jurisdictions. The organisation collaborates with many other international regulatory associations, sharing information between members and conducting research on the European market. GREF has two main objectives. The first is to provide a forum in which European gaming regulators can meet, exchange views and information and discuss policy on gaming matters. Secondly, GREF serves as a central point of enquiries directed at European gaming regulators from other authorities based in Europe and internationally. Jansen replaces Alderney Gaming Commission executive director Jorn Starck, who was appointed chairman in May 2019. Speaking about his new role as GREF chairman, Jansen highlighted the commonalities between European regulators in areas including consumer protection. “Protecting consumers, preventing gambling addiction and combating illegality and crime are of paramount importance to all regulators,” Jansen explained. “We learn from each other by exchanging experiences. We are largely confronted with the same issues. Online games of chance will be legalised and regulated in the Netherlands this year. “Other countries preceded us in this; it makes no sense to reinvent the wheel everywhere. We can learn from the experiences of others. “It is also important to work together in tackling illegal online games of chance,” Jansen added.