Don’t Miss Gaming in Holland 2024! Interview with Willem van Oort

Willem van Oort is the founder and owner of Gaming in Holland. This platform combines news, networking events and conferences to inform and connect stakeholders in the gaming industry.

Van Oort is an experienced entrepreneur and consultant with an extensive background in the gaming sector. He has worked with various operators, suppliers and other stakeholders within the industry. His expertise and insights make him a respected voice within the Dutch iGaming ecosystem.

Gambling Club had an exclusive interview with Willem van Oort about the upcoming Gaming in Holland event which will take place in Amsterdam on Thursday June 6th.

Before we get started, thank you for taking the time to speak with our readers about the upcoming event.

Can you tell us more about the main goals of the Gaming in Holland event this year?

Our main goals are ‘knowledge and networking’. We bring together national and international stakeholders to discuss important topics in the Dutch regulated gaming industry. This is done formally through presentations and informally during conversations at lunch or a drink.

We strive for an interaction between speakers and audience where knowledge is shared. This year, the focus is on the current political climate surrounding gaming. The industry has to deal with constant changes in regulations, and we have to think together about a sensible approach for the future.

Which guest speaker are you most looking forward to?

We are pleased to welcome René Jansen, the chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit (Dutch Gaming Authority). This will possibly be his last public appearance before his retirement on July 1st. We are also looking forward to Nils Andén, CEO of the Kindred Group, and Matevz Mazij, CEO of the Bragg Gaming Group. Former State Secretary Fred Teeven will also speak about the political climate in relation to gaming.

What new trends and innovations in the gaming industry can participants expect to discover during the event?

In the Dutch market, and other European markets, we see that when there is a regulated online market, the regulations are becoming stricter. Compliance is becoming increasingly important, and there are several breakout sessions dedicated to the latest innovations in this area, such as Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and smart training. These sessions are organized in cooperation with the Chevron Group.

Is sustainability also reflected in the event’s program?

One of the main themes is how the sector should relate to social and political actors. We discuss how we can increase the social acceptance of gaming by respecting rules. There is also attention to player protection, with sessions on algorithms to detect problem gambling behavior early on and the possibility of European standards.

We recently talked with a company that specialized in detecting signals of problem gambling in a premature lifecycle. How do you see Gaming In Holland evolve in the coming years?

We are guided by relevant events such as new regulations and market developments. The team is always on the lookout for sessions and topics that are suitable for a mature market and increasing the interactivity of the event. We want to give visitors more opportunity to make their voices heard and we try to aim for a looser and more informal approach without losing the information density.

What advice would you give to someone attending Gaming in Holland for the first time?

Listen to the speakers and ask questions (anonymously via your mobile phone), and chat with other attendees during the breaks. Everyone is there to learn and meet new people. Don’t forget to attend the closing reception at Holland Casino Amsterdam which will be followed by a canal cruise through the Amsterdam canals.

The 2024 Gaming in Holland Conference takes place on Thursday June 6th at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. You can find the event agenda here. You can register via this link. Readers of gamblingclub.be get a 15% discount on the regular entrance fee with the discount code GCLUB15.