ECA Calls for EU Commission Backing and Regulatory Action

Imagine Europe’s casino sector forging a united front against illegal gambling.

That’s the European Casino Association’s vision, spotlighted in its new five-year manifesto.

Picture EU policymakers and industry leaders collaborating, safeguarding national economies, and invigorating tourism and growth.

Embrace the ECA manifesto and join the fight against rogue operations that drain public coffers.

ECA’s Bold Blueprint: Rallying the New EU Commission to Defend Europe’s Casino Industry

3 Key Points

1. Illegal Operations Threaten the Market: ECA warns of over €10 billion lost annually in uncollected tax revenues.
2. Support, Protect, and Promote: The manifesto’s three pillars drive responsible gaming, fair business, and local prosperity.
3. Urgent Call to Policymakers: ECA urges the Commission to adopt stronger enforcement, preserve level 2 AML status, and champion economic growth.

The European Casino Association (ECA) has unveiled a comprehensive five-year manifesto, seeking strong collaboration with the newly appointed European Commission. The manifesto calls for joint efforts to combat illegal gambling, protect consumer welfare, and promote robust economic development within the European Union (EU).

This blueprint arrives at a decisive moment, with Ursula von der Leyen confirmed for a fresh term as Commission President on 1 December 2024. Expressing the sector’s readiness to support EU policymakers, the ECA underscores how licensed land-based casinos can serve as dependable allies in creating jobs, safeguarding revenues, and ensuring consumer safety.

Yet, illegal gambling remains the industry’s top concern. According to the ECA, the black market siphons off up to €10 billion in annual tax revenues across Europe, creating “an uneven playing field” for licensed operators. By channelling resources to unregulated circles, these illicit platforms compromise player security and undermine local economies. Consequently, the ECA believes the Commission must back member states in “regaining full control over all gambling services,” urging swift and decisive action to eradicate unlicensed operators.

Built on three pillars—Support, Protect, and Promote—the manifesto details how the ECA’s 28 members plan to assist the EU. First, the Support pillar involves collaboration with policymakers to maintain a “safe and well-regulated gaming environment.” The association highlights the urgency of confronting illegal gambling entities linked to criminal activity, which threatens both public trust and legitimate brands. Second, through Protect, the ECA focuses on upholding the highest standards of responsible gaming. This component highlights the importance of consumer well-being and safeguarding minors from gambling harm. Third, the Promote aspect champions economic growth, emphasizing the sector’s capacity to create jobs, contribute to national GDP, and boost tourism.

On the regulatory front, the ECA urges the Commission to preserve the “level 2 AML risk classification” for land-based casinos. This classification recognizes casinos as “medium risk,” reflecting their adherence to strict anti-money laundering protocols. Shifting the AML risk categorization could significantly affect operations and costs for lawful casino establishments.

The ECA’s membership includes influential names such as Holland Casino, Casinos Austria, Belgian Casino Federation, and Casino Cosmopol. By uniting these voices, the manifesto underscores a collective resolve to stop illegal gambling, maintain fair business conditions, and drive Europe’s competitiveness forward.

ECA chair Erwin van Lambaart commended the document, noting that it “reflects our commitment to supporting the EU and member states’ efforts to uphold a regulated and responsible land-based casino sector.” He called on policymakers to join forces with industry stakeholders to shield legal gaming from black market intrusion.

By publishing this new manifesto, the European Casino Association signals a united front, inviting the new EU Commission to act decisively against illegal gambling. With explicit strategies to support, protect, and promote, the ECA aims to cement the casino sector’s role as a driver of responsible gaming and economic strength across Europe.