VNLOK brings in Eric Konings: big changes coming?
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13 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Eric Konings has taken a new step in his career. From 1 March, he has left NOGA and is now working at VNLOK. He will continue to do what he does best: influence the gambling industry as a senior policy advisor.
But this move may say more about the future of the industry than about Konings himself. Recently, Gambling Club spoke to Konings about his vision for the gambling market.
Temporary director, but how temporary was it really?
When NOGA director Peter-Paul de Goeij decided to move to Sweden last year, Konings temporarily took over his role. But ‘temporary’ really turned out to be temporary. NOGA was in the midst of a strategic reorientation. Led by former State Lottery CEO Frans van Steenis and consultancy KPMG, it was looking at how the industry association should position itself. One of the scenarios? Cooperation or even merger with VNLOK.
Officially, there is no final decision on that yet, but Konings’ move to VNLOK feels like a big hint.
Konings shares the news on LinkedIn
Konings himself announced the switch and explained his choice:
‘VNLOK is in need of temporary support. It’s nice to contribute to that for a few days a week, especially as a lot is going to happen in the coming months. I thank the board of VNLOK for their trust and look forward to a nice cooperation.’
A modest announcement, but between the lines one can read that VNLOK has big plans.
VNLOK responds enthusiastically
Daan van Hoogmoed, senior policy advisor at VNLOK, is pleased with Konings’ arrival. He says Konings’ knowledge and experience will come in handy in these heady times.
‘Eric will join us in the coming period to ensure continuity during the leave of a colleague. The challenges in our industry are great. We are committed to a responsible, safe and sustainable online gaming market. We are pleased that Eric wants to use his knowledge and experience to contribute to this.’
It sounds like there is a lot of construction going on behind the scenes for the future of VNLOK.
What does this mean for NOGA?
NOGA’s future remains uncertain. After the departure of De Goeij and Konings, the trade association has not yet found a successor. NOGA was not even invited to the round table discussion on 19 March, while VNLOK was allowed to attend.
VNLOK recently published a position paper, also on behalf of NOGA. That actually says it all: the two associations are working ever more closely together. Perhaps a merger is closer than thought after all.
VNLOK is led by chairman Helma Lodders and represents companies such as JVH/Jacks.nl, TOTO, Fair Play Online, ZEbet and Holland Casino.In addition, One Casino, Bingoal and Kansino are also members.NOGA has members such as LeoVegas, Entain, bet365, Betsson, Flutter, ComeOn and Kindred (Unibet). But the market is moving fast. Betsson has acquired Goldrun Casino (but the deal is not yet complete), Flutter has left the Netherlands and Kindred (Unibet) has merged into French FDJ United.