The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is calling on delegates of national standardization bodies to back a proposed European standard on markers of gambling harm, describing it as a milestone initiative to strengthen player protection across the continent.
A Push for Universal Harm Indicators
The proposal, currently under vote at the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) until September 25, 2025, represents the culmination of a multi-year effort launched by EGBA in 2022.
At its core, the standard seeks to establish a universal list of behavioral harm indicators—such as sudden increases in gambling frequency or spend—that operators can use to identify at-risk players more consistently.
EGBA emphasized that while most regulated operators already employ harm-detection systems, the absence of a common framework has led to inconsistencies. A universal standard, the association argues, would close these gaps and ensure more players are shielded from gambling-related harm.
Industry Collaboration at the Forefront
The initiative has already secured support from key stakeholders, including the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF). EGBA described the project as a model of the collaboration needed to advance safer gambling, uniting regulators, operators, and experts across 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,”
— Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA
Haijer urged delegates to vote in favor, stressing that adoption would mark a significant step forward in Europe’s collective fight against gambling harm.
Next Steps
If approved, the finalized standard will be published by CEN in early 2026. Importantly, the framework will remain voluntary, leaving it up to operators to decide whether to adopt it.
