EU Advises Belgium Lotteries to Step into the Online World

The Lotteries in Europe Colloquium was organized on April 18-19 at the Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels via The National Lottery and the European Lotteries (EL). 

The public social event, which also included a walking dinner, was free to join via an online registration form and was held under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

The colloquium touched on a series of interesting topics, mainly underscoring the critical importance of preserving lotteries for the Old Continent’s cultural heritage and society.

Lotteries Should Adapt to the Modern Gambling Landscape 

The conference, which hosted Her Royal Highness Princess Claire of Belgium, highlighted the massive support provided by lotteries to communities via generous funding throughout their history. 

Another important point of discussion focused on making sure that lotteries are not only well-preserved but also accurately adapted to match today’s digital landscape marked by high-tech developments. 

European Lotteries’ president, Romana Girandon, reiterated that their purpose is ultimately to “make the lives of EU citizens better” while speaking about the way national lotteries are able to connect millions of individuals all across the continent. 

Girandon also spoke about the way European Lotteries have raised ​​€22 billion ($23 billion) in funds for public good in 2022, further proving their dedication to this purpose. 

Recognizing the “Societal Role of Lotteries in Europe”

EL’s president also took the opportunity to express their pride in speaking at the Colloquium which was organized right after the EU Sport Forum, while “recognizing the importance of the societal role of the lotteries in Europe.”

The list of expert speakers also featured the University of Antwerp’s associate research professor Jeroen Puttervils and Malcolm Fleming, who is the president of the Association of Charity Lotteries in Europe. 

The latter touched on an interesting topic related to the birth of lotteries while also discussing the continent’s current social landscape.

EU’s Court of Justice president Koen Lenaert was another keynote speaker who offered valuable insight into the way the court recognizes religious, moral, and cultural nuances that are currently reshaping lotteries.

EL members including Veikkaus were given the opportunity to present their case studies that prove the direct impact of lotteries on today’s society. 

At the start of March, Belgium announced it would introduce stricter rules on gambling to deter the rise of online gambling addiction via the Chamber of Representatives approved measures proposed by Green MP Stefaan Van Hecke.

The measures, which will go into effect in September, will feature a ban on gambling incentives including bonuses and complimentary bets.

Some operators voiced their concerns regarding the potentially negative adverse effects of the stricter regulations which might result in the alienation of players.