EGBA urges approval of European safer gambling standard
The proposed standard aims to establish a unified list of behavioural indicators that can signal risky or problematic gambling behaviour when analysed collectively.
Key points:
– EGBA is urging approval of a new European standard on “markers of harm” in online gambling
– The standard would create a unified list of behavioural indicators to aid early intervention
– If approved, it will be published in early 2026 as a voluntary framework
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has called on delegates from national standardisation bodies to vote in favour of a new European standard on “markers of harm” in online gambling.
The vote, overseen by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), closes on 25 September and is the result of a multi-year process initiated by the EGBA in 2022.
The proposed standard seeks to establish a shared framework of behavioural indicators that may suggest risky or problematic gambling. These markers include changes in the speed, duration and frequency of play.
By identifying such patterns, operators would, in principle, be better equipped to implement early interventions and prevent gambling-related harm.
The development process has involved wide-ranging consultation, including input from regulators, academics, operators and harm-prevention professionals through national delegations.
Good to know: The initiative has already received support from the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF)
At present, many operators employ their own definitions and methods for monitoring gambling behaviour, but no harmonised framework exists at the European level.
If adopted, the standard would provide consistency across jurisdictions and aim to enable greater alignment in identifying and responding to risky play.
Commenting on the matter, Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, stated: “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.”
If approved, the standard is expected to be published by early 2026.
It would remain voluntary, with national regulators retaining the discretion to decide whether to integrate it into their domestic regulatory frameworks.
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