One Giant Leap for Safer Online Gambling in Europe

2023 continues to be a fantastic year for the online gambling sector. In response to a proposal from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) agreed to create a series of approved markers for reviewing gambling harms in online gambling.

As one of three standardisation bodies officially recognised by the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association, this vote represents a pivotal moment in the history of safer gambling in the EU.

Being the Watchmen on the Wall

In December 2022, the EGBA submitted an in-depth proposal to CEN for consideration and was grateful for its positive reception.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA, said:

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“We’re delighted that CEN has approved EGBA’s proposal to establish a standardised list of markers of harm, and we thank its members for their support. This decision is a milestone and a significant step forward for safer gambling in Europe.”

Commenting on the support they received from EGBA members and what this means for the expansion of responsible gambling across Europe, he continued:

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“We also thank our members for their strong commitment to safer gambling and unwavering support to make this proposal possible. The CEN process will provide a unique and valuable opportunity for key European stakeholders to pull together their resources and expertise to support safer gambling.”

As always, the EGBA is focused on ensuring that while the European gambling sector grows and develops, the industry does its best to support and protect those at risk from compulsive behaviours and environmental influences.

 Raising the Bar in the EU

The CEN vote approved the development of a “European standard on markers of harm for online gambling”. The organisation will convene a team to begin the research process before the end of Q1 2023.

The body assigned to this project will draw from various stakeholders, including academics, health experts, gambling authorities, operators, and consumer organisations. They will consider currently accepted gambling harm metrics like speed, time, and duration of play then set parameters to separate regular and harmful play.

The initial findings by the CEN review team will be voluntary tools which online casinos and betting sites can choose to use or not. However, the long-term plan is to enact these metrics through legislation.