EGARA and CityMaaS launch gambling accessibility toolkit

As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) looms ever closer, with enforcement by EU Member States set to begin in June, the gambling industry is entering a critical period of digital transformation. Regulatory pressure is mounting on operators to ensure that their platforms are accessible to all users—including individuals with disabilities. In a move that positions them at the forefront of this urgent transition, EGARA, a prominent gambling advisory firm, has partnered with CityMaaS, a leading accessibility technology and certification provider, to launch the first digital accessibility toolkit tailored specifically for the gambling sector.

Why digital accessibility is now a legal and business imperative

For years, digital accessibility has remained a peripheral concern for many gambling operators. However, the introduction of the European Accessibility Act has brought this issue to the center of compliance and corporate responsibility strategies. By June 2025, all relevant private sector services operating within the EU—including gambling websites and platforms—must conform to accessibility standards or risk significant consequences.

Failure to comply with the EAA could expose operators to a range of financial and reputational risks, including:

• Government enforcement actions
• Legal action initiated by consumers or advocacy groups
• Public backlash over exclusion and inequality
• Inability to meet licensing renewal criteria in regulated markets

Beyond penalties, inaccessibility undermines responsible gaming principles. Essential tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and help resources must be accessible to all players—not only to comply with law but to uphold fairness and inclusion in gambling environments.

Learning from the United States: A cautionary tale

The gambling industry need only look to the United States for a glimpse of what may lie ahead. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), digital service providers—including several online gambling operators—have faced thousands of lawsuits over inaccessible websites and platforms. These cases have highlighted systemic accessibility gaps, particularly in responsible gaming tools and customer support features, with plaintiffs citing barriers to access as a form of discrimination.

The EU’s legislative landscape is now moving in a similar direction, with accessibility laws gaining serious traction across Member States. The time for gambling operators to act is now.

A strategic solution: EGARA and CityMaaS unite forces

Recognizing the scale and urgency of the compliance challenge, EGARA and CityMaaS have joined forces to provide a complete and industry-specific accessibility toolkit. The goal is simple yet transformative: make accessibility compliance seamless, sustainable, and strategically valuable for gambling operators.

What the toolkit includes

The EGARA x CityMaaS partnership delivers a multi-faceted solution that incorporates the following key components:

Readiness check and compliance manual

Operators receive a readiness assessment to benchmark their current digital accessibility status. This is followed by a detailed implementation manual, outlining necessary changes, timelines, and responsibilities. It provides a structured roadmap toward full compliance with the European Accessibility Act.

Certification services

For operators looking to validate their efforts, the partnership offers formal accessibility certification. This serves not only as evidence of compliance to regulators but also as a reputational asset for operators looking to promote inclusion and fairness.

Several gambling regulators in the EU have already confirmed that digital accessibility falls under their regulatory scope. Certification could therefore become a mandatory component for license holders in the near future.

Auditing and platform reviews

The accessibility auditing process is tailored to the gambling sector, assessing websites, mobile apps, and backend systems to ensure all user interfaces meet the required standards. Special attention is paid to features tied to responsible gambling, such as self-limits, help centers, and account closure processes.

ESG and responsible leadership training

Accessibility is also becoming a pillar of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. Through this partnership, operators are offered bespoke training programs for executives, developers, and support staff—embedding digital fairness and inclusive design into the heart of the customer journey.

This goes beyond compliance, positioning operators as industry leaders in responsible innovation.

Advanced technical integration

CityMaaS contributes its state-of-the-art accessibility software, which includes AI-powered adjustments, customizable assistive features, and user profiling tools. These technologies allow operators to tailor their platforms to individual accessibility needs while ensuring ongoing compliance.

The bigger picture: Inclusive design and responsible gaming

Digital accessibility is not merely a technical issue—it is fundamentally linked to responsible gambling and ethical platform design. When users with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility impairments are excluded from responsible gaming tools, the risk of harm increases significantly.

The EGARA and CityMaaS toolkit ensures these critical features are not only present but truly usable by everyone. This supports greater transparency, consumer trust, and long-term sustainability for operators in both established and emerging markets.

Industry leaders speak out

Jessica Maier, Co-founder of EGARA, emphasized the urgency of the initiative:
“Despite its transformative potential to harmonize accessibility standards across the EU, the European Accessibility Act has surprisingly remained underdiscussed within our sector, leaving many organisations unprepared for its imminent impact. Through our partnership with CityMaaS, we’re enabling operators to rapidly close any existing gaps to reduce legal and reputational risk, and ultimately make gambling platforms more inclusive and sustainable, bolstering responsible gaming efforts and providing opportunity for sustainable growth.”

Rene Perkins, CEO of CityMaaS, echoed this sentiment:
“CityMaaS is thrilled to collaborate with EGARA to bring our state-of-the-art accessibility solutions to the gambling sector. Together, we are setting a new standard for accessibility and user experience.”

Next steps for operators

Gambling operators and platform providers are encouraged to begin their accessibility readiness assessments immediately. With only weeks remaining until the June deadline, proactive engagement is critical. EGARA and CityMaaS are offering consultations and full-scale assessments via their platform: www.egara.co/contact-us.

Delaying action could prove costly—not just in financial terms, but in lost player trust, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties.

Conclusion: A turning point for gambling and inclusion

The launch of the first dedicated gambling-focused accessibility toolkit marks a pivotal moment for the industry. As the EAA deadline approaches, regulators, operators, and technology providers must come together to ensure that the digital gambling environment is truly inclusive.

EGARA and CityMaaS have taken a bold first step—others must now follow. Accessibility is not only a legal requirement but a business opportunity and a moral obligation. Inclusive design can enhance user experience, expand market reach, and solidify a company’s role as a responsible gaming leader in the digital age.

FAQs

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The EAA is an EU directive requiring digital services, including gambling platforms, to be accessible to people with disabilities by June 2025.

Why does accessibility matter in online gambling?
Accessibility ensures all users, including those with disabilities, can use essential features such as responsible gaming tools and customer support.

What risks do gambling operators face if they ignore the EAA?
Operators could face fines, regulatory penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage if they fail to comply with accessibility laws.

What is included in the EGARA and CityMaaS toolkit?
The toolkit includes audits, readiness checks, accessibility certification, staff training, and technical integration services.

How does accessibility support responsible gaming?
Accessible tools ensure all users can access features like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and support resources, reducing the risk of harm.

Is accessibility a legal or ethical requirement?
Both. It is a legal requirement under the EAA and an ethical obligation tied to fairness, inclusion, and consumer protection.

Can operators get certified for accessibility compliance?
Yes, EGARA and CityMaaS offer formal certification to prove compliance and support regulatory requirements.

Is the gambling industry prepared for the EAA?
Most operators are still behind. The EGARA and CityMaaS partnership is designed to accelerate readiness before the June 2025 deadline.

What technologies are used in the accessibility solution?
CityMaaS offers AI-based assistive technology, user customization tools, and platform-level accessibility enhancements.

Where can operators start their accessibility assessment?
Operators can begin the process by contacting EGARA through their website at www.egara.co/contact-us.