The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) celebrates the approval of a draft European standard focused on damage markers. The vote took place at the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), where a significant majority of national standardization bodies supported the initiative.
Therefore, this event represents a significant milestone for the protection of players across the European continent.
The power of sector collaboration
EGBA representatives emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving this outcome. In this regard, Maarten Haijer, EGBA Secretary General, stated: “The positive outcome of this vote is a true testament to the power of collaboration across our sector.
When EGBA proposed this initiative to CEN, we envisioned creating a commonly agreed standard that would benefit players across Europe.
We are very pleased with the support the standard has received and I want to personally thank all the stakeholders who participated in this process.
The result shows what happens when we work together to strengthen player protection.”
Furthermore, the feeling of celebration was shared by other members of the association.
Vasiliki Panousi, Senior Manager for European Union Affairs at EGBA, commented: “After years of work leading this project from its conception and development, seeing the overwhelming support it has received is incredibly gratifying.
This will be the first commonly agreed European standard for identifying risky gambling behaviors and will be a key element for effective harm prevention in Europe.
The cooperation in developing the standard was extremely valuable, bringing together diverse expertise from across the continent.”
Completion schedule and acknowledgments
The voting process officially closed on September 25. However, the standard now needs to go through the CEN’s formal finalization process before publication.
This process, which can take several months, includes translations into different languages and other procedural requirements. . The standard will then be available for voluntary adoption by gaming operators and regulators.
Additionally, EGBA made a point of thanking the project’s key contributors. The association especially recognized Dr. Maris Catania, who served as official leader, and AFNOR, the French standards organization that coordinated the project.
Thanks were extended to all the delegates, academics, regulators and harm prevention experts who collaborated in the process.
About EGBA
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is the Brussels-based trade association representing the main online gambling operators licensed in the European Union. The organization works with national and EU authorities to promote a well-regulated market that ensures high standards of consumer protection.
At the same time, the association recognizes the realities of the internet and the evolution of consumer preferences. As part of its commitment, the EGBA coordinates the annual European Safer Gambling Week.
EGBA members adhere to the highest standards, collectively holding 321 online gaming licenses in 21 European countries and serving over 30 million customers. Finally, they represent approximately 30% of gross online gambling revenue in Europe in 2024.