EGBA supports new European gambling harm standard

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has welcomed the approval of a landmark European standard designed to strengthen player protection and support responsible gambling across the continent. The initiative, which provides a structured framework for identifying risky gambling behaviours, has received overwhelming support from national standardisation bodies. Publication of the standard is expected in early 2026.

The approval marks a significant milestone in European efforts to implement proactive harm-prevention strategies for gambling, providing a consistent set of tools for operators, regulators, and other stakeholders. The initiative was first proposed by EGBA in 2022 and has since undergone extensive consultation and collaboration across the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).

A framework to identify risky gambling behaviours

The newly approved standard establishes a shared framework of behavioural indicators, commonly referred to as “markers of harm,” which can be used to identify gambling patterns that may indicate potential risk to players.

The purpose of the framework is to provide operators and regulators with a clear reference point for early detection of problematic gambling, thereby supporting timely interventions. By standardising these indicators across Europe, the initiative aims to harmonise approaches to responsible gambling and player protection, reducing disparities between jurisdictions.

This harmonisation is considered particularly important for operators who provide services across multiple European markets, as it allows for consistent monitoring and the implementation of harm-prevention measures.

EGBA’s role and vision

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving this milestone. He stated:

“The positive outcome of this vote is a real testament to the power of collaboration across our sector. When EGBA first proposed this initiative to CEN, we envisioned creating a commonly agreed standard that would benefit players across Europe. We’re delighted 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.”

EGBA has long advocated for harmonised standards in responsible gambling, recognising that consistent behavioural indicators can help reduce harm while allowing operators to innovate responsibly. This initiative represents one of the most significant steps taken to date in Europe to create a unified approach to identifying and addressing risky gambling behaviours.

Leadership and collaboration behind the standard

The project was led by Dr. Maris Catania, supported by AFNOR, the French standardisation body, which acted as the Secretariat for the initiative. The development process brought together experts from multiple countries, including regulators, operators, researchers, and consumer protection organisations.

Vasiliki Panousi, Senior Manager of EU Affairs at EGBA, commented on the collaborative process:

“After years of driving this project, through its conception and development, seeing the overwhelming support it has received is incredibly rewarding. This will be the first commonly agreed European standard for identifying risky gambling behaviours, and it will offer an essential building block for effective harm prevention in Europe. The cooperation to develop the standard was extremely valuable, bringing together diverse expertise from across the continent.”

The inclusive development process ensured that the standard reflects a broad range of experiences and expertise, balancing regulatory requirements, operator capabilities, and player protection priorities.

Voting and next steps

The voting process concluded on 25 September, with a decisive majority of national standardisation bodies supporting the draft. While the approval is a major step, the standard must still undergo formal finalisation by CEN. This includes translation into all official European languages and completion of procedural requirements to ensure full compliance with standardisation protocols.

Once finalised, the standard is expected to be published in early 2026. Adoption will be voluntary for European regulators and operators, allowing jurisdictions to integrate the framework into existing responsible gambling initiatives at their discretion. Nevertheless, experts believe the standard will serve as a key reference point for both regulators and operators aiming to strengthen harm-prevention measures.

Implications for regulators and operators

The introduction of a European standard on markers of harm offers multiple benefits for regulators and operators alike. Regulators gain a reliable framework to guide supervision and enforcement of responsible gambling practices. Operators, in turn, receive practical tools to identify potentially harmful behaviours among their players, facilitating timely interventions that could prevent escalation.

By providing a consistent approach across European markets, the standard also reduces complexity for operators who must comply with multiple national regulations. It is expected to encourage best practices, foster innovation in player protection technologies, and contribute to more transparent communication with players regarding safe gambling behaviours.

Moreover, the voluntary nature of adoption provides flexibility for regulators and operators to tailor the framework to their local markets while still benefiting from harmonised behavioural indicators. This approach balances consistency with adaptability, allowing for practical implementation without imposing rigid mandates.

Broader context in European gambling regulation

The approval of this standard aligns with wider efforts across Europe to enhance responsible gambling and consumer protection. The European Commission and national regulators have increasingly emphasised evidence-based approaches to prevent gambling harm, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young people and those with pre-existing risk factors.

Previous initiatives have focused on measures such as self-exclusion programmes, deposit limits, and awareness campaigns. The markers of harm standard complements these measures by offering a systematic method to detect problematic behaviour before it escalates.

Experts also note that standardisation can improve cross-border cooperation. As players increasingly access online gambling services across multiple European jurisdictions, a shared understanding of risk indicators facilitates information exchange between operators and regulators, promoting safer gambling environments continent-wide.

Future prospects and innovation

Looking ahead, the markers of harm standard is likely to play a central role in shaping innovation in player protection. Technology solutions, such as AI-driven monitoring tools and predictive analytics, can leverage these standardised behavioural indicators to detect and mitigate risk in real time.

Operators may integrate the framework into their compliance systems, allowing for automated alerts when players exhibit patterns associated with potential harm. Additionally, regulators may use the standard to assess operator compliance, evaluate the effectiveness of harm-prevention measures, and develop targeted policy initiatives.

By establishing a harmonised baseline, the standard sets the stage for ongoing research and evaluation. It provides a foundation for longitudinal studies, helping the gambling sector better understand risk factors, player behaviour, and the efficacy of intervention strategies over time.

Expert perspectives on the standard

Stakeholders across the European gambling sector have praised the initiative for its collaborative approach and practical benefits. Consumer protection organisations have highlighted the importance of early identification in preventing harm, while operators have emphasised the value of clear, consistent guidance to support responsible gambling measures.

Industry analysts also note that the standard may enhance the reputation of the European gambling sector, demonstrating a commitment to player protection and proactive regulation. By establishing a shared framework for behavioural indicators, Europe can set an international benchmark for responsible gambling practices, potentially influencing standards in other regions.

Conclusion

The approval of the European standard on markers of harm represents a significant achievement for the gambling sector, regulators, and players alike. By providing a consistent framework to identify risky gambling behaviours, the initiative strengthens early intervention strategies, fosters collaboration across jurisdictions, and supports the development of evidence-based harm-prevention measures.

EGBA’s leadership and the inclusive approach taken throughout the standard’s development reflect the power of collaboration in addressing complex challenges. While adoption is voluntary, the standard is expected to become a key reference point for regulators and operators seeking to enhance player protection and promote responsible gambling practices across Europe.

Publication in early 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era in European responsible gambling, offering stakeholders practical tools to identify risk, intervene effectively, and protect players in a rapidly evolving industry.

FAQs

What is the European standard on markers of harm?
It is a framework of behavioural indicators designed to identify risky gambling patterns and support harm-prevention strategies.

Who proposed the initiative?
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) first proposed the standard in 2022.

When will the standard be published?
The standard is expected to be published in early 2026.

Is adoption mandatory for operators?
No, adoption will be voluntary for European regulators and operators.

What is the purpose of the standard?
The standard aims to provide a consistent reference for identifying risky gambling behaviours and enabling early interventions.

Who led the development of the standard?
Dr. Maris Catania led the project, with AFNOR, the French standardisation body, acting as Secretariat.

Which organisations were involved in developing the standard?
National standardisation bodies, regulators, operators, researchers, and consumer protection organisations collaborated on the initiative.

How does the standard support responsible gambling?
By providing indicators of risky behaviour, it allows operators to intervene early and regulators to implement effective harm-prevention measures.

Will the standard apply across all European countries?
It is voluntary, but it provides a harmonised framework that any European country can adopt to improve player protection.

How does the standard impact online gambling?
It helps operators monitor player behaviour across jurisdictions, reducing harm and promoting safe gambling practices online.