Europe has taken a new step to unify safe gambling practices. National standardization groups have voted to support a draft European framework that aims to identify risky gambling behavior.
CEN Greenlights Framework to Spot Risky Gambling Behaviour Across Europe
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) first suggested this plan in 2022. Now, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has given its approval. This decision opens the door for Europe’s first shared standard on “harm markers” – signs in behavior that might show when a player could be at risk.
The draft, approved on September 25, will now go through a formal completion process within CEN. This involves translating it into several languages and doing administrative checks, with its release planned for early 2026. Once out, the standard will not be mandatory for regulators and operators, though industry executives think many areas will use it as a yardstick.
EGBA says the framework aims to help operators and regulators catch potential red flags. These include quick jumps in play time, odd shifts in betting habits, or attempts to win back big losses. By setting up a common definition of these actions, the group hopes to cut down on the differences that exist now between national markets.
Haijer and Panousi Praise Broad Support Behind Europe’s New Harm Detection Standard
EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer called the vote evidence of what teamwork in the industry can accomplish. He pointed out that the proposal aimed to create a benchmark that helps players across Europe and recognized the wide backing the project got from interested parties.
Senior Manager of EU Affairs, Vasiliki Panousi agreed with this view, highlighting that the benchmark stands as the first Europe-wide deal on signs of risky play. She noted that the plan took years to craft and brought together experts from universities, governing bodies, the industry, and groups focused on preventing harm.
Dr. Maris Catania, an expert in responsible gambling, supervised the project. AFNOR, the French standardization organization, served as the coordinator. EGBA also recognized many national committees and experts for their contribution to shaping the result.
EGBA Predicts Widespread Adoption of Europe-Wide Guidelines for Safer Gambling
People who watch the industry view this approval as a possible game-changer. The gambling scene in Europe remains very divided, with some nations enforcing tough rules while others depend more on operators to handle risk. A framework for all of Europe could give regulators a steady benchmark while providing operators with practical ways to step in earlier.
Though operators can choose to adopt it or not, EGBA thinks the perks of a unified approach – better protections for customers and more consistency across borders – will lead many to embrace it. The group also claims that shared rules can help make regulated markets stronger and lessen the sway of unlicensed companies.
If many operators put it into practice, the new system could signal a change from responding after the fact to keeping an eye on things ahead of time, boosting how players are kept safe as the field keeps changing.