The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is lobbying delegates from national standardization bodies to approve a landmark European standard. This measure addresses markers of harm in online gambling, which is currently being voted on by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
The vote represents the culmination of a collaborative effort that began with EGBA’s original proposal to the CEN in 2022. The election closes on September 25, 2025.
The European standard on harm markers aims to establish a list of behavioral indicators that, when analyzed together, can signal risky or problematic gambling behavior.
These markers—such as changes in game speed, tempo, and duration—are essential tools for enabling early intervention and preventing harm in the online gaming environment.
A collaborative European effort
This standardization initiative reinforces the collaborative approach that safer gaming requires. From the outset, the CEN process brought together experts from across Europe, including academics, gaming regulators, operators, harm prevention professionals, and other stakeholders.
The process has already gained significant support from key stakeholders, including the Gambling Regulators Forum of Europe (GREF).
Addressing a critical gap
Currently, gaming operators use harm markers in their efforts to make gaming safer. However, there is no agreed-upon framework defining which behaviors constitute harm markers. This standardization initiative aims to address this critical gap by creating a unified, evidence-based list of behavioral indicators.
Therefore, this list is based on the most recent research and scientific knowledge. The standard will enable earlier and more consistent detection of risky games across different operators and countries. Furthermore, it will help raise the standard of player protection across the industry.
According to Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA: “The vote represents a landmark moment for safer gambling in Europe.”
“This initiative proposed by EGBA demonstrates precisely the kind of collaboration we need most – bringing stakeholders together to share knowledge and experience and create something for the common good.”
“We urge national delegates to approve this important rule, which will contribute to a better understanding of problem gambling behavior and support more effective harm prevention across Europe,” he said.
If approved, the final standard is expected to be published by CEN by early 2026. The standard will be voluntary in nature and online gambling regulators will remain free to decide whether they wish to incorporate it into their national safer gambling frameworks.
About EGBA
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is a trade body based in Brussels, Belgium. The EGBA represents the major online gaming operators established, licensed, and regulated in the EU.
The EGBA collaborates with national and EU authorities and other stakeholders to promote a well-regulated online gaming market. In this way, it ensures high standards of consumer protection while recognizing the realities of the internet and the ever-evolving preferences of consumers.
As part of its commitment to safer gaming, EGBA organizes and coordinates the European Safer Gambling Week, which annually brings together industry stakeholders to promote safe and sustainable gaming.
EGBA members adhere to the highest regulatory standards, collectively holding 321 online gambling licenses and serving over 30 million customers in 21 European countries. Together, they represent approximately 30% of gross online gaming revenue in Europe in 2024.
