EGBA Warns of Illegal Online Gambling Growth in Europe

EGBA Members Voice Concerns Over Illegal Online Gambling Growth in Europe

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) raises the alarm on illegal online gambling growth in Europe!

A recent sustainability report reveals an urgent need for national policymakers to protect players and regulate the market effectively.

Discover the key insights from the EGBA’s report and understand the critical need for decisive action against illegal gambling.

Stay informed about the latest industry developments and support efforts to promote a safer gambling environment.

EGBA Members Voice Concerns Over Illegal Online Gambling Growth in Europe

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has published its latest sustainability report, revealing significant concerns about the escalating growth of the illegal online gambling market in Europe. The report highlights the pressing need for national policymakers to implement robust measures to safeguard players and ensure a sustainable and regulated gambling environment.

Increased Use of Safety Tools Among EGBA Members

The 2024 EGBA Sustainability Report marks the association’s fourth annual report, showing that a record 65 percent of EGBA members’ customers—equivalent to 21 million users—utilized safety tools in 2023. This represents a 14 percent year-over-year increase, demonstrating the effectiveness of the safety measures implemented by EGBA members.

Highlights from the Sustainability Report

The report underscores the collective efforts of EGBA members to promote a sustainable approach to gambling. Noteworthy achievements include:

• 67.6 million safer play messages sent to customers, a 49 percent increase year-over-year, with 23 million personalized messages based on customer behavior.
• 70 percent of deposit limits were used voluntarily by customers, highlighting their commitment to responsible gambling.
• 80 percent of employees received dedicated safer gambling training, ensuring a well-informed workforce.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA, expressed satisfaction with the progress made: “We’re pleased to publish our latest sustainability report, highlighting significant progress by our members in many areas of safer gambling, particularly in the roll-out of safety tools and their direct interactions with players about their playing behavior.”

Concerns Over Illegal Online Gambling

Despite these positive developments, the report also brings to light the increasing threat posed by the illegal online gambling market in Europe. A joint letter from six prominent industry CEOs, including John Coates of bet365, Stella David of Entain, and Peter Jackson of Flutter Entertainment, emphasized the urgent need for national policymakers to address this issue.

The CEOs highlighted that illegal operators often lack basic consumer protections, exacerbating the risks to players. They stressed the necessity of competitive, regulated markets as the only effective solution to combat illegal gambling. The letter stated, “While we strongly support enforcement measures against black market websites, competitive, regulated online gambling markets are the only effective solution.”

Call for Decisive Action

The CEOs urged policymakers to design regulatory frameworks that balance robust consumer protections with a competitive and innovative online gambling environment. They warned that over-regulation could inadvertently make unsafe alternatives more appealing, particularly to vulnerable players.

Haijer added, “In the report, our CEOs also quite rightly flag their concerns about the growing black market in Europe and the risks it poses to players and the progress made in safer gambling. We’re pleased to expand our reporting this year with specific new metrics about the use of safety tools and messages to promote safer play.”

Comprehensive Report Data

The report provides extensive data on various aspects of sustainability, including customer behavior, social contributions, employment and diversity, and environmental impact. Key highlights include:

• €61.2 million allocated to problem gambling research, education, and treatment services.
• €151.4 million donated to charities and community initiatives across Europe.
• A total workforce of 58,633 employees, with 57 percent male and 43 percent female.
• 71.8 percent of total energy consumption sourced from renewable energy, reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.

Conclusion

The EGBA’s latest sustainability report sheds light on both the achievements and challenges facing the European gambling industry. While significant progress has been made in promoting safer gambling practices, the rise of the illegal online gambling market presents a substantial threat. The call to action for national policymakers is clear: decisive measures are needed to protect players and uphold the integrity of the regulated gambling market. As the industry navigates these challenges, continued efforts towards transparency, responsible gambling, and robust regulation will be essential. Stay informed about the latest developments to support a safer and more sustainable gambling environment in Europe.