In a significant development for the gambling industry, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has approved a proposal from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) to establish a common framework for identifying risky gambling behavior. This decision comes after a rigorous consultation process that began in 2022, marking a pivotal step towards unified player protection across Europe. The newly approved European standard on markers of harm is set to be published in early 2026, following necessary translations and formal procedural completions.
The standard, though voluntary, is anticipated to gain widespread adoption among regulators and operators aiming for consistency in gambling markets across the continent. Europe’s gambling market is notably fragmented, with each country having its own strategies for promoting responsible gambling. Some nations boast advanced systems for detecting risky behavior, while others place the onus on operators to establish their own guidelines. This new standard seeks to address these disparities by offering a unified set of behavioral indicators applicable across all jurisdictions. Indicators might include sudden spikes in playtime, tendencies to chase losses, or fluctuations in spending habits.
By implementing a cohesive framework, industry stakeholders hope to enhance the early detection of risks, enabling timely interventions before significant harm occurs. EGBA has underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving this milestone. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Maris Catania, a respected authority in responsible gambling, with the French standardisation body, AFNOR, serving as the Secretariat.
The approval of this standard marks the first instance of Europe adopting a shared model for identifying risky gambling behavior. Highlighting the significance of this achievement, Vasiliki Panousi, EGBA’s Senior Manager of EU Affairs, remarked on the rewarding journey from the project’s conception to its development, emphasizing the standard’s role as a fundamental component for effective harm prevention. She noted the invaluable cooperation that brought together diverse expertise from across Europe.
Until now, efforts to combat gambling harm have varied significantly, with some countries implementing stringent national regulations and others opting for more lenient approaches. A common standard provides both regulators and operators with a reference point to bolster their systems. Although the standard is not yet operational, the path forward is clear. The draft received final approval on September 25, but additional work is required, including translations into all EU languages and administrative endorsements, before the anticipated publication in early 2026.
For operators, the new framework offers a comprehensive toolkit to enhance compliance and demonstrate a commitment to harm prevention. For regulators, it establishes a clear benchmark for assessing operator performance. The standard is designed to facilitate early intervention, giving operators more precise indicators to act upon before issues escalate, thereby shifting the focus from reactive to proactive monitoring. This shift is expected to heighten consumer protection across Europe.
However, the voluntary nature of this standard means its full impact will be contingent on the number of stakeholders who choose to adopt it. Industry experts are optimistic, though, predicting that the benefits of a unified system will drive widespread acceptance.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Europe is on the cusp of a more unified approach to gambling safety. The approval of the markers of harm standard culminates years of collaboration among regulators, the industry, and responsible gambling experts. It underscores a growing consensus that consistent frameworks are essential in a cross-border industry. Once published, this standard may serve as a blueprint for future projects, facilitating cooperation in Europe’s fragmented markets to address common challenges.
As a symbolic and practical step towards more effective player protection, the new standard represents a significant advancement in the ongoing effort to harmonize gambling safety measures across Europe. Industry leaders are hopeful that this development will pave the way for further collaborative initiatives, enhancing the overall integrity and safety of Europe’s gambling landscape.
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