EGBA calls for European standardisation for markers of gambling-related harm
Advocacy group submits proposal to European Committee for Standardisation as it looks to ramp up protection measures
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has called for a continent-wide standardisation on the markers of gambling-related harm.
The advocacy body has submitted a proposal to the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) in another step in its attempts to bolster safer gambling practice in Europe.
The CEN is the body responsible for developing standards in Europe and will ballot its members states to determine whether the proposal should be approved.
The ballot will remain open until the end of December 2022.
Should the proposal be given the green light, academics, health experts, operators, regulators and consumer bodies will be able to provide input into developing the standard.
The EGBA has urged industry stakeholders to engage in the potential discussion, noting a standardised list of markers of gambling-related harm would benefit all those involved in the sector.
Earlier this week, a group of academics signed a joint letter of support for a markers of harm standard.
Maarten Haijer, EGBA secretary general, said a collaborative approach would only serve to benefit the industry and reduce gambling-related harm.
Haijer said: “We urge national standardisation bodies, gambling authorities and other stakeholders to support this common sense proposal to jointly develop a standard on markers of harm in Europe.
“A standard would be an essential element to help prevent risky and problem gambling behaviour and support consumer protection.
“The process to develop the standard would bring together the knowledge and expertise of academics, researchers, harm-prevention experts and other stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the common purpose of preventing gambling-related harm,” he added.
The EGBA works to advance a common framework for gambling and betting across the EU, and regularly engages with both the European Commission, and the European Parliament.