The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, shedding light on the current state of the online gambling industry in Europe and emphasizing the urgent need for balanced regulation. The report is a comprehensive overview of the association’s and its members’ efforts to promote sustainable and responsible gambling while addressing the growing issue of black market gambling.
Addressing Black Market Gambling
The EGBA’s report highlights a significant concern: the rise of black market gambling across Europe. CEOs from leading operators, including Flutter, Entain, Evoke and Kindred warn that stringent regulations in countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Sweden are inadvertently driving players towards unregulated offshore sites. These sites often lack basic consumer protections and are primarily profit-driven, posing severe risks to players.
Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment, alongside other prominent CEOs, emphasized in the report, “Severe restrictions in these countries prevent an attractive and competitive offer to players that steers them toward safer, locally regulated websites.” The consensus is clear: while enforcement against black market operators is crucial, creating competitive, regulated online markets is the only effective solution to safeguard players.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach
The report advocates for a balanced regulatory framework that not only ensures robust consumer protections but also maintains the competitiveness of the legal market. The EGBA stresses over-regulation can make illegal alternatives more appealing, especially to vulnerable players. In France, for instance, the number of players using black market websites now exceeds those using regulated sites, according to data from the country’s gambling regulator.
“Competitive, regulated online gambling markets are the only effective solution,” the report states. The EGBA calls on national policymakers to design regulations that protect consumers without driving them to unsafe alternatives.
Progress in Responsible Gambling
Despite the challenges posed by black market gambling, the EGBA report highlights significant progress in promoting responsible gambling within the legal market. In 2023, a record 65% of European gamblers used safer gambling tools, up from 60% in 2022. This increase is attributed to a 49% rise in safety messages sent to players, with over a third being personalized based on individual playing behavior.
The report notes that 65% of customers displaying potentially problematic play either improved or stabilized their gambling behavior following safety interventions. This underscores the effectiveness of proactive measures and personalized communication in promoting safer play.
Enhanced Player Protection Measures
The EGBA and its members have made substantial investments in developing advanced safety tools and player intervention mechanisms. These systems leverage health experts, technology, and AI to provide a personalized approach to player safety. The goal is to analyze individual behavior, identify risks, and trigger appropriate interventions to encourage safer gambling practices.
In 2023, 21 million customers had one or more safety tools activated on their accounts, a 14% increase from the previous year. Deposit limits remain the most popular tool, used by 70% of customers who voluntarily activate safety measures.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
The report also highlights the broader contributions of EGBA members to European society, including significant financial support for problem gambling research, education, and treatment. In 2023, contributions to these areas increased by 25%, reaching €61.2 million.
The EGBA is committed to fostering a culture of sustainable and responsible gambling. The report outlines plans for the fourth edition of European Safer Gambling Week in November 2024, aiming to surpass previous records for engagement and participation.
The EGBA’s 2024 Sustainability Report is a call to action for regulators and policymakers to balance consumer protection with market competitiveness. By fostering a well-regulated and attractive legal market, Europe can effectively combat the risks posed by black market gambling and ensure a safer gambling environment for all players.