EGBA urges approval of European safer gambling standard

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has urged European delegates to approve a new standard aimed at enhancing player protection across the online gambling sector. The proposed framework focuses on “markers of harm” — behavioural indicators that may reveal risky or problematic gambling activity. If approved, the standard will be introduced as a voluntary tool to encourage consistency and improve harm-prevention measures throughout Europe.

The debate over gambling regulation has intensified in recent years as regulators, policymakers, and industry representatives seek to balance consumer protection with the growth of regulated gambling markets. The EGBA’s proposal represents one of the most comprehensive attempts to create a pan-European approach to identifying risky gambling behaviour before it escalates into more severe harm.

Background to the proposed European standard

The initiative to create a European-wide standard for gambling harm indicators began in 2022, when the EGBA initiated discussions with the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). This committee, responsible for developing voluntary standards across industries, convened working groups that included regulators, academics, gambling operators, and organisations specialising in harm prevention.

The outcome of these discussions is the proposed European standard, which focuses specifically on creating a unified list of behavioural indicators. These indicators are intended to provide operators with clearer guidance on how to identify gambling behaviours that may signal risk.

Currently, gambling operators across Europe use their own internal definitions and monitoring systems to track player behaviour. While some systems are advanced, others vary significantly in scope and effectiveness. The absence of a unified standard means that a player considered at risk in one jurisdiction might not trigger the same intervention mechanisms in another.

By harmonising the indicators across European markets, the EGBA believes operators will be better positioned to detect problems early and respond consistently, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they operate.

The role of the European Committee for Standardisation

The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) plays a crucial role in this process. It provides the formal platform for developing voluntary European standards in a wide range of sectors, including consumer protection. The vote on the gambling harm standard is being conducted under CEN’s procedures, with delegates from national standardisation bodies across Europe asked to cast their vote before 25 September.

If approved, the standard will undergo finalisation and is expected to be published in early 2026. Importantly, the framework will remain voluntary. National regulators and policymakers will have the discretion to decide whether to adopt the standard into their own domestic regulatory frameworks.

What are “markers of harm”?

The central feature of the proposed framework is the identification of “markers of harm.” These are behavioural indicators that, when analysed collectively, can provide insights into potentially risky gambling behaviour.

Examples of such markers include:

• Significant increases in the frequency of gambling sessions.
• Changes in the duration or intensity of play.
• Faster betting or shortened time intervals between wagers.
• Patterns suggesting loss-chasing behaviour.
• Signs of financial strain, such as repeated deposits within short time frames.

Individually, these behaviours might not be conclusive. However, when combined and assessed over time, they can indicate a heightened risk that a player is experiencing or moving toward gambling-related harm.

The aim is not to stigmatise players but to provide operators with tools that enable earlier, more effective intervention. By recognising patterns, operators could implement safeguards such as sending warning messages, imposing cooling-off periods, or providing links to support services.

Consultation and stakeholder involvement

The creation of the proposed standard has been the product of extensive consultation. National delegations to CEN have involved a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Gambling regulators from different European jurisdictions.
• Academic experts in psychology, addiction, and behavioural science.
• Licensed operators with experience in responsible gambling tools.
• Harm-prevention professionals and non-profit organisations.

This collaborative process has helped to ensure that the framework reflects diverse perspectives. It also increases the likelihood of the standard being accepted across jurisdictions, since many national voices have contributed to shaping its design.

The Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF), a network of regulators from across the continent, has already expressed its support for the initiative. This endorsement signals regulatory recognition of the value of harmonised tools for monitoring gambling behaviour.

EGBA’s perspective on the standard

The EGBA has been vocal in its support of the initiative, framing it as a milestone for responsible gambling in Europe.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA, emphasised the significance of the upcoming vote, stating:
“The vote represents a milestone moment for safer gambling in Europe. This EGBA-proposed initiative demonstrates precisely the kind of collaboration we need more of – bringing together stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences to create something for the common good.

“We call on national delegates to approve the important standard, which will contribute to a better understanding of problem gambling behaviour and support more effective harm prevention across Europe.”

This perspective reflects the EGBA’s long-standing advocacy for consistent, evidence-based approaches to gambling regulation. By promoting alignment across jurisdictions, the EGBA believes operators can act more effectively to protect players, while regulators can benefit from clearer benchmarks.

Potential impact on operators and regulators

If approved, the European standard could have several significant impacts:

Greater consistency across jurisdictions

Operators active in multiple European markets often face challenges in adapting to different national frameworks. A harmonised standard would simplify compliance and enable more uniform monitoring systems.

Improved early intervention

By offering a structured list of behavioural markers, the standard may enable operators to detect risky play earlier. This could reduce the likelihood of gambling-related harm escalating to more severe consequences.

Enhanced trust and reputation

The adoption of a European-wide standard could also strengthen public trust in the regulated gambling sector. Demonstrating commitment to consistent, science-based harm-prevention measures could help counter criticism from advocacy groups and policymakers.

Voluntary but influential

While the framework will be voluntary, there is a likelihood that national regulators will integrate it into their own rules, particularly in jurisdictions where responsible gambling measures are already a policy priority.

Challenges and limitations

Despite its potential benefits, the standard faces some challenges.

• Voluntary nature: Without mandatory implementation, uptake may vary, and some operators could choose not to adopt the framework.
• Interpretation of markers: Behavioural data can be complex, and identifying harm relies on careful interpretation. False positives or negatives may occur.
• Technological capacity: Smaller operators may face difficulties in implementing advanced monitoring systems.
• National discretion: Regulators may adapt or modify the framework, leading to variations in practice.

These challenges highlight that while the standard is a significant step, it is not a complete solution to gambling-related harm. It will need to be supported by continued research, technological innovation, and collaboration between stakeholders.

Conclusion

The EGBA’s call for approval of the European safer gambling standard marks an important step in the ongoing effort to protect players across the continent. By establishing a unified set of behavioural indicators, the initiative aims to enhance consistency, enable earlier interventions, and support a more evidence-based approach to preventing harm.

If adopted, the framework would represent one of the most comprehensive attempts to align responsible gambling practices across Europe. While voluntary, it could serve as a benchmark for regulators and operators alike, encouraging higher standards of consumer protection in a rapidly evolving industry.

The final decision lies with national standardisation delegates, who are set to vote by 25 September. Should the proposal be approved, its publication in 2026 could signal a new era of cooperation in safeguarding players across Europe.

FAQs

What is the EGBA?
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is an industry body representing leading online gambling operators in the European Union, advocating for fair regulation and responsible gambling measures.

What is the purpose of the proposed European standard?
The standard aims to create a unified set of behavioural indicators, or “markers of harm,” to help operators identify risky gambling behaviour and intervene earlier.

What are examples of markers of harm?
Markers may include increased gambling frequency, longer sessions, faster betting patterns, and repeated deposits within short periods.

Who is overseeing the vote on the standard?
The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) is responsible for overseeing the vote, which involves national standardisation bodies from across Europe.

When will the standard be published?
If approved, the standard is expected to be published in early 2026.

Is the framework mandatory?
No, the framework will be voluntary, leaving national regulators to decide whether to adopt it into their domestic regulatory frameworks.

Why does EGBA support the initiative?
EGBA views the standard as a milestone for safer gambling, promoting collaboration, consistency, and improved understanding of problem gambling behaviour.

Will all operators be required to follow the standard?
Not necessarily. As a voluntary framework, adoption will depend on regulatory decisions in individual jurisdictions and on operators’ willingness to implement it.

How could this benefit players?
By providing operators with clearer tools to detect harm earlier, the standard could lead to quicker interventions and better protection for vulnerable players.

What challenges remain?
Challenges include ensuring consistent uptake, interpreting behavioural data correctly, and addressing the resource needs of smaller operators.