Speel Verantwoord say YES to the new EGBA Advertising Code of Conduct

As the online gambling industry grows, the need for better rules and responsible gambling tools increases. Online casino games should only be enjoyed as entertainment but over the past few years, the number of problem gamblers has increased.

Just recently, the Dutch online gambling trade organisation, Speel Verantwoord, adopted the European Gaming and Betting Association’s (EGBA) code of conduct on responsible advertising for online gambling.

Peter-Paul de Goeij, Director of Speel Verantwoord, said:

“Advertising plays an important role in channeling consumers into the regulated, safe and responsible gambling offer - and it must be done responsibly. That's why we wholeheartedly support this safer gambling initiative, as it will promote responsible advertising and help protect Dutch consumers and minors in particular.”

Many countries are finding new ways to incorporate better rules and regulations to curb problem gambling within their borders. This new Code of Conduct could be just what the fragmented European iGaming advertising sector needs.

The Call for Responsible Advertising

EGBA’s code of conduct on responsible advertising for online gambling is the first pan-European initiative for gambling advertising. This code of conduct aims to strengthen the protection of minors and consumers across Europe.

It introduces essential standards for responsible advertising content as well as dedicated measures for social media. The code will apply to all EGBA members and all other online gambling companies who sign up to it. The enforcement of the code of conduct will be monitored by an independent third party.

In a recent analysis, it was found that the new code compliments and reinforces the existing regulations of gambling advertising in European countries and several other countries. That being said, the new measures are a lot stricter than the existing rules due to the detailed and targeted nature found in certain parts of the code.

Speel Verantwoord Supports EGBA

Speel Verantwoord is among the first associations to endorse EGBA’s code and will also be promoting it to their members. The online gambling trade organisation will also encourage other gambling companies to sign up and adhere to the code. Speel Verantwoord’s member companies include big industry names such as Betsson, Dazzletag, GVC, Kindred and Flutter.

EGBA’s Secretary-General, Maarten Haijer, said they are highly pleased with the support of their code of conduct from Speel Verantwoord. Haijer praised the trade organisation for its commitment to promote responsible advertising and stressed that advertising is crucial to informing consumers of all gambling websites considered safe and regulated.

Haijer also reiterated that the content advertised must be responsible, especially if the aim is to protect consumers, and more importantly, minors. With the new code of conduct, EGBA and Speel Verantwoord contribute to that objective and hopefully, more companies will follow.