Belgium.- The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is advocating for the adoption of a pioneering European standard on indicators of gambling harm by national standardisation bodies. This call comes as part of a voting process at the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) that concludes on September 25. The proposed standard is the outcome of a three-year collaborative effort initiated by an EGBA proposal to the EU standardisation body in 2022.
The essential aim of this European standard is to establish a comprehensive list of behavioural indicators that, when collectively analyzed, can identify risky or problematic gambling behaviours. These markers, according to the EGBA, include changes in play speed, time, and duration, which are critical for early intervention and prevention of harm in online gambling.
A collaborative venture, this initiative has seen contributions from experts across Europe, involving academics, gambling regulators, operators, harm prevention professionals, and other essential stakeholders through their national standardisation delegations. It has garnered substantial backing from influential entities like the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF).
Despite the widespread use of harm markers by various gambling organizations in their safer gambling strategies, there is currently no universally accepted framework that defines which behaviours should be considered markers of harm. The standardisation initiative seeks to bridge this gap by establishing a unified, evidence-based set of behavioural indicators rooted in scientific research and expertise.
The EGBA emphasizes that adopting this standard would facilitate earlier and more consistent detection of risky gambling behaviours across different operators and borders, thereby enhancing player protection across the industry. Should the standard receive approval, it is set to be officially published by CEN by early 2026. However, its adoption will be voluntary, and national online gambling regulators will retain the discretion to integrate it into their respective safer gambling frameworks.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of the EGBA, expressed that the voting process marks a significant milestone for safer gambling practices in Europe. He highlighted the initiative as a prime example of the collaborative efforts needed to advance the common good by pooling together knowledge and experience from various stakeholders. This proposed standard, according to Haijer, would significantly contribute to understanding problem gambling behaviours and bolster effective harm prevention strategies across Europe.
However, the proposed standard has not been without its critiques. Critics argue that a one-size-fits-all approach might not adequately address the unique cultural and regulatory environments across different European countries. They caution that imposing a standard across diverse jurisdictions could lead to an overly rigid framework that might not be adaptable to local needs and nuances.
Furthermore, some operators have expressed concerns over the potential costs and operational changes required to implement the new standard. They argue that while the objective is commendable, the realities of implementing such a standard could place a substantial burden on smaller operators who may not have the resources to comply fully with the new guidelines.
From another perspective, proponents of the initiative argue that the benefits, particularly in terms of enhanced player protection and reduced social harm, far outweigh the potential challenges. They advocate that a standardized approach is crucial for maintaining consistency and fairness in the online gambling industry, which is becoming increasingly interconnected across national borders.
As the voting deadline approaches, the debate continues. What remains clear is the pressing need to address gambling-related harms in a cohesive manner that protects vulnerable players while allowing for the sustainable growth of the industry. Whether the proposed standard will be the key to achieving this balance remains to be seen, but the discussions surrounding its adoption have already sparked a necessary dialogue on the future of safer gambling practices in Europe.
In the end, the decision rests with the national standardisation bodies. Regardless of the outcome, the conversation initiated by the EGBA and its partners underscores the need for ongoing collaboration and innovation in tackling gambling-related harms across Europe.
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