EGBA fully endorses the publication by the European Commission of the recommendation for the common protection of consumers of online gambling services in the EU. The Recommendation contains a series of concrete and practical measures that allow Member States to implement a common high level of consumer protection measures throughout the EU
The recommendation aims to ensure that gambling remains a source of entertainment; that minors are prevented from gambling and that consumers are provided a safe gambling environment throughout the EU. The recommendation is in line with the CEN workshop agreement on Responsible Remote Gambling Measures, which the Members of EGBA already voluntarily adhere to and are regularly audited against.
In addition to the practical consumer protection and responsible gambling measures the recommendation also acknowledges the importance of an attractive regulated offer as “online players look for competing gambling opportunities whenever they perceive a lack of attractive offers” (Recital 10).
It also points out that with the current fragmentation of the EU market resulting from the national licensing regime “the multiplication of compliance requirements can create unnecessary duplication of infrastructure and costs, resulting in an unnecessary administrative burden on regulators” (Recital 14).
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA said: “European consumers deserve to be equally well protected throughout the EU, wherever they reside. EGBA fully supports the Commission’s approach. The members of EGBA already impose themselves very strict rules regarding consumer protection as we firmly believe that an attractive and responsible gambling environment are two sides of the same coin.”
Maarten Haijer further added that “We are very pleased that the European Commission is taking the lead in implementing an EU policy for online gambling, which is evidently necessary for this cross-border internet sector. We encourage the Commission to fully implement its action plan and address the fragmentation of the EU market with similar actions and legislative initiatives.”
The recommendation is part of the EU policy on online gambling as developed in the Commission’s Action Plan of 2012 and supported by the European Parliament. It is not a legally binding instrument, but Member States are encouraged to implement it so as to ensure consumers and minors are protected at a similar high level in the EU. The Commission will review its implementation by the Member States in 24 months after the publication in the official journal of the EU.
