The European Gaming and Betting Association's members (EGBA) have advocated for the implementation of a new benchmark. It aims to help regional operators more effectively identify signs of customer addiction and respond promptly to associated risks.
In 2022, the document was first submitted for revision to the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). The final vote was held on September 25th, 2025, granting the initiative a cross-border status.
Results of the Algorithm Approval
With the proposal being endorsed, the industry now has a unified set of criteria for monitoring customer behaviour. This factor will protect audiences and simplify the work of national authorities, who have previously employed disparate approaches.
Earlier this year, the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) expressed support for the project, giving the initiative additional weight ahead of the voting session. Thus, it was no surprise that the vast majority enthusiastically backed the standard implementation.
According to the EGBA’s Secretary General, this move marks a significant milestone in the development of responsible gaming in the region. In Maarten Haijer's opinion, such a decision exemplifies productive cooperation between businesses, niche experts, and regulators.
Importance of the Initiative for the Industry
In recent years, the online entertainment segment in Europe has been growing at a faster rate than the land-based casino vertical. With the rise of digital gambling, the question of how to systematically monitor risky behaviour patterns has become pressing.
Before the voting session, EU countries lacked a common list of indicators for assessing player problem habits. Each authority developed unique methods, making it difficult to compare information and implement uniform protective measures.
The adopted algorithm will help solve several issues at once:
- identify addictive patterns as early as possible and respond to them promptly;
- develop a common methodology for analysing data and monitoring customer behaviour;
- increase transparency, standardise approaches across EU countries, and facilitate cooperation between regulators and licensees.
A common reference point makes the overall system more effective and predictable. Authorities can now establish effective oversight models, and businesses are free to start implementing uniform, understandable safety tools.
How the Project was Developed
Years of collaboration between the EGBA and industry experts resulted in the creation of this benchmark.
Its formation involved the following parties:
- operators;
- national regulators;
- the academic community;
- ludomania prevention specialists.
The joint dedicated efforts provided a scientific basis and helped shape a universal set of indicators applicable across various jurisdictions. The new list of rules is voluntary. Each EU country can independently decide whether to incorporate it into its system. Nevertheless, having a common methodology will facilitate collaborative work to address user protection issues.
Briefly About the EGBA
The Association is based in Brussels and represents leading licensed iGaming operators registered and overseen in the EU. The organisation engages with national and regional authorities, as well as other stakeholders, to establish a well-regulated gambling business in Europe. The goal is to ensure a high level of user protection, taking into account the specifics of web technologies and evolving user preferences.
The EGBA’s members adhere to the highest legal standards, collectively holding 321 digital gaming licences and serving over 30 million customers in 21 EU countries. These brands provide approximately 30% of online GGR in the region.
Further Initiative Steps
Since the CEN vote has already made the final decision and the proposal has been supported, a unified algorithm is expected to come into effect by 2026. This stage will be crucial in harmonising responsible gambling regulations across the entire industry.
Casino Market's team recommends that operators closely monitor changes in the legal policies of the chosen jurisdiction to be prepared for the implementation of new practices.
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