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Online gaming regulation in Europe has evolved rapidly in recent years, and with it, compliance has become more complex and essential. In this context, Willen van Oort, CEO of Gaming in Europe, shares the vision behind the Leaders in Compliance Conference, an event aimed at providing practical solutions and strategic leadership for the current industry challenges. In this interview, we discuss the most urgent compliance topics, the goals of the conference, and what attendees can expect from this new edition.
Q1: What is the vision behind the Leaders in Compliance Conference, and what impact do you hope to make in the regulated gaming industry in Europe?
A: Over the past fifteen years, an increasing number of jurisdictions have started regulating their online gambling markets. With the move away from grey markets, compliance has naturally become more important. Moreover, many jurisdictions that already have regulations are tightening them considerably. With online gambling —like other things online— becoming more important and visible, this is hardly surprising. Still, the regulatory and compliance burdens faced by operators have become progressively complex. Our aim is to help industry professionals navigate this increasingly complex environment.
Q2: What do you consider the most urgent compliance topics for operators and suppliers in Europe?
A: There are two challenges I think are worth highlighting. First, operators active in multiple jurisdictions are increasingly facing a situation where they must deal with several highly complex regulatory environments. Due to regulatory differences, this is not easily scalable. How can these larger operators manage this? This is one of the topics the Leaders in Compliance Conference will address.
Second, the field of compliance is changing. Electronic monitoring systems mean that compliance is becoming more technical. This brings both opportunities and challenges of its own.
Q3: The event brings together experts from areas such as KYC, AML, ESG, and market regulations. How do you select speakers, and what criteria do you use to structure the agenda?
A: Following the event’s structure —where we address strategic topics in the morning and practical solutions in the afternoon— we are looking for two main things: thought leadership or insights and solutions that make day-to-day compliance easier. If a potential speaker can offer one of these, we are happy to include them in the event. We have deliberately chosen to combine thought leadership with practical solutions because, in the end, the people attending our events have businesses to run. That means you can’t just be theoretical; you must offer real, practical value. At the same time, compliance is a discipline that reacts to external developments. This requires reflection and periodic evaluation of processes, something we aim to offer as well.
Q4: With the constant evolution of regulations in Europe, what challenges do companies face in staying compliant, and what solutions will be discussed at the conference?
A: I’ve already mentioned cross-jurisdictional challenges for larger international operators. Staying on top of different regulatory frameworks across a dozen jurisdictions is no easy task.
Additionally, compliance in regulated gambling markets is increasingly outcomes-oriented. It’s not just about whether your processes meet certain theoretical requirements but also whether you successfully prevented fraud or gambling-related harm. This also requires a data-driven approach to communication with regulators.
Will we offer complete solutions for this at the conference? Probably not. But we will share best practices and technical tools that make these processes a bit easier.
Q5: What new elements does this edition bring compared to previous years, and what can attendees expect in terms of networking and practical learning?
A: This year is the first time we are organizing the Leaders in Compliance Conference, and there has been quite a bit of enthusiasm, so I have high hopes.
As with all our events, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. We have opted for a mix of networking moments, including drinks, an official conference dinner, and stands where vendors can meet directly with potential clients. However, the most important thing is being able to meet the right people, and I’m confident we will achieve that.
Regarding practical learning, the afternoon sessions —some of which will be interactive— will provide highly practical tools and solutions designed to address various compliance challenges.
The Leaders in Compliance Conference is set to be a pivotal event for addressing current compliance challenges in Europe, blending strategic insight with actionable solutions. Under the leadership of Willen van Oort, the conference aims not only to share knowledge but also to foster valuable connections between professionals facing similar challenges. In an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, this event promises to be a compass for those seeking to adapt, innovate, and lead responsibly in the online gaming sector.
