European operators support new EN 18144 standard for safer gambling

The European gaming industry has taken a significant step toward strengthening responsible gambling practices following the publication of EN 18144, a new voluntary European standard designed to help operators identify signs of potentially harmful gambling behaviour.

The standard, published on 31 May 2026 through the national standardisation bodies of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), introduces a common framework that gambling operators can use to recognise behavioural patterns associated with gambling-related risks. Industry representatives have described the development as an important milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance player protection across Europe.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), which played a central role in proposing the framework, has welcomed the publication of the standard and encouraged operators throughout Europe to consider adopting its principles.

A common European framework for player protection

The introduction of EN 18144 represents an effort to create greater consistency in how gambling operators monitor player activity and respond to signs of potential harm.

While gambling regulation remains the responsibility of individual European countries, the new framework offers a shared reference point that operators can voluntarily apply across multiple jurisdictions. Rather than replacing national laws or regulatory requirements, the standard is intended to complement existing frameworks and support responsible gambling initiatives already in place.

According to the framework, operators can use a set of behavioural indicators to help identify patterns that may suggest increased gambling-related risk. The goal is to encourage earlier intervention and provide additional support measures where appropriate.

Industry observers note that gambling markets across Europe have developed different approaches to responsible gambling over the years. As a result, the publication of a common voluntary standard may help create greater alignment among operators that serve multiple countries.

Nine behavioural markers introduced

A central feature of EN 18144 is the introduction of nine behavioural markers that operators can monitor when assessing potential signs of gambling-related harm.

These markers are based on research into gambling behaviour and are intended to provide practical indicators that can assist operators in identifying patterns that may require further attention.

Among the areas covered by the framework are:

• Changes in stake volume
• Frequency of deposits
• Duration of gambling sessions
• Patterns of play over time
• Use of responsible gambling tools
• Self-exclusion activity
• Other behavioural indicators associated with increased risk

The framework seeks to provide a structured approach to risk detection while allowing operators flexibility in how they implement monitoring systems within their own operational environments.

Importantly, the standard recognises that regulatory requirements differ across jurisdictions. Where a particular behavioural marker conflicts with national legislation or regulatory guidance, operators are expected to follow local legal requirements.

This approach allows the standard to function as a supportive framework rather than a regulatory mandate.

Development of the EN 18144 standard

The publication of EN 18144 follows several years of consultation and development involving industry stakeholders and standardisation bodies.

EGBA first proposed the development of a European standard in 2022 as part of its broader strategy to promote safer gambling practices throughout the continent. The proposal sought to establish a common methodology for identifying potentially harmful gambling behaviour while respecting the diversity of national regulatory systems.

Following an extensive review process, national standardisation bodies across Europe voted on the proposal in October 2025. According to EGBA, the initiative received overwhelming support, paving the way for the creation of the final standard.

The completed framework was officially published on 31 May 2026, marking the culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort.

Supporters of the initiative believe that common standards can help improve consistency across the industry while encouraging the adoption of evidence-based approaches to player protection.

EGBA welcomes the publication

The European Gaming and Betting Association has described the publication of EN 18144 as a major development for responsible gambling efforts across Europe.

The association stated that the framework provides operators with a practical tool that can contribute to the earlier identification of potentially risky gambling behaviour. It also highlighted the potential benefits of greater alignment among operators operating in multiple European markets.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, commented on the publication of the standard:

“This is an important milestone for player protection in Europe. When widely adopted, this voluntary standard will lead to earlier identification of risky play and, ultimately, better protection for players. Our members are ahead of the curve on implementation – they are already applying many aspects of the standard and are committed to alignment across their European operations. We encourage other operators to adopt the standard and help raise the bar on player protection across Europe.”

His comments reflect the association's view that common standards can support more effective responsible gambling measures while maintaining flexibility for operators and regulators.

Existing implementation among EGBA members

According to EGBA, many of its member companies have already incorporated practices that align with the principles contained in EN 18144.

The association stated that most member operators currently monitor all nine behavioural indicators included within the framework. In many cases, these measures have already been integrated into player protection systems and responsible gambling programmes.

This existing level of implementation may help facilitate broader adoption of the standard among operators that are already familiar with similar monitoring approaches.

At the same time, EGBA acknowledged that implementation may vary between jurisdictions due to differences in national regulations. Certain behavioural markers may not be applicable in all markets, particularly where local legal requirements impose different obligations or restrictions.

As a result, operators adopting the framework will need to ensure that any implementation remains fully compliant with applicable national laws and regulatory expectations.

Potential impact on the European gambling sector

The publication of EN 18144 arrives at a time when responsible gambling continues to receive significant attention from regulators, policymakers and industry participants across Europe.

Many jurisdictions have introduced stricter consumer protection measures in recent years, including enhanced monitoring requirements, affordability assessments and expanded responsible gambling tools.

Against this backdrop, EN 18144 may serve as a useful reference point for operators seeking to strengthen player protection programmes while maintaining consistency across different markets.

Because the standard is voluntary, its long-term impact will depend largely on the extent to which operators choose to adopt and implement its recommendations. Industry groups believe that broader adoption could contribute to a more unified approach to identifying gambling-related risks and supporting vulnerable players.

Conclusion

The publication of EN 18144 marks an important development in the evolution of responsible gambling standards across Europe. By introducing a common voluntary framework for identifying behavioural indicators associated with gambling-related harm, the standard seeks to support earlier risk detection and strengthen player protection efforts.

While national regulations will continue to govern gambling activities within individual countries, the framework offers operators a shared reference point that can promote consistency and encourage the adoption of evidence-based practices. The support expressed by the European Gaming and Betting Association and its members highlights the industry's growing focus on responsible gambling and consumer protection.

As more operators evaluate the framework and consider implementation, EN 18144 has the potential to become a widely recognised benchmark for safer gambling practices across the European market. Its success will ultimately depend on voluntary adoption, regulatory compatibility and the industry's continued commitment to protecting players while maintaining sustainable and responsible operations.

FAQs

What is EN 18144?
EN 18144 is a voluntary European standard that provides a framework for identifying behavioural indicators associated with potential gambling-related harm.

Who developed the EN 18144 standard?
The standard was developed through the European standardisation process coordinated by CEN following a proposal submitted by the European Gaming and Betting Association in 2022.

Is EN 18144 legally mandatory for operators?
No. The standard is voluntary and is intended to complement existing national regulations rather than replace them.

What is the main purpose of EN 18144?
Its primary objective is to help gambling operators identify potentially risky gambling behaviour earlier and enhance player protection measures.

How many behavioural indicators are included in the framework?
The standard includes nine behavioural markers that operators can use when monitoring player activity.

Does EN 18144 replace national gambling regulations?
No. National laws and regulatory requirements continue to take precedence in each jurisdiction.

What role did EGBA play in the project?
EGBA proposed the creation of the standard and supported its development through the European standardisation process.

Are EGBA members already using the framework?
According to EGBA, many member operators already monitor the behavioural indicators included within the standard.

Why is early identification of risky behaviour important?
Early identification can help operators implement appropriate player protection measures before gambling-related problems become more serious.

Could EN 18144 become widely adopted across Europe?
Industry stakeholders believe the framework has the potential to become an important benchmark for responsible gambling practices if adopted by a broad range of operators across European markets.