EGBA Urges European Policy Makers to Unify Rules for Online Gambling

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) prompted European lawmakers again to come up with a single set of rules for online gambling. The new study which was presented to the EU Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee evaluated the benefits of existing DSM measures. It also outlined the potential economic benefits for citizens and businesses by further deepening such policies.

Having in mind that online gambling s for 21% of all gambling activity in Europe, the Association (EGBA) points out establishing a unified rulebook is of vital importance. This document, which aims to enhance the protection of clients all over the continent, should feature as many iGaming regulations as possible.

Cross-Border Activity as Burning Issue

Following similar pleads to Brussels in July…

…in which it was stated that Europe’s cross-border online betting world that is “hamstrung by a patchwork of national rules,” it was concluded that deepening EU digital single market directives to encom web-based gambling could save nearly €6bn.

As far as declared, the EU could potentially generate €5.6bn per year in societal welfare and consumer benefits by including the online gambling sector, believed to be worth in the region of €20bn yearly, in the DSM.

The initial ideas on establishing a uniformed set of rules…

…appeared in March, when the institution noticed that there are not enough laws to ensure players’ protection. Sweden was the first state to recognize the importance of creating a guidebook that would control cross-border activity.

The only way to keep pace with the internet’s rapid, cross-border, and technological development is to come up with a uniformed set of laws. So far, only 14 EU countries have adopted a national self-exclusion , and only 13 require ‘no underage betting’ signs on ments.

Enhancing Protection

The group pointed out that enforcement tools, such as geo and payment blocking measures…

…are counter-effective. They jeopardize player safety by pushing punters towards betting platforms operated outside the jurisdiction and reach of the EU.

As far as the EGBA believes, the introduction of a single set of rules applicable across all member states would fix that issue. Unified guidelines would improve the overall regulation of online gambling activities and drive standards of consumer protection.

Maarten Haijer, secretary-general of the EGBA declared as follows:

“Introducing a single set of rules for online betting in the EU makes perfect sense – it would improve the regulation of the sector, save significant money for both consumers and companies and help better protect consumers. That is why EGBA is calling on EU policymakers to ensure that the digital single market benefits the 12 million Europeans who bet online.”

Spource:

“EGBA reiterates necessity to unite European online gambling”, casinobeats.com, September 5, 2019.