EGBA Seeks Creation of Gambling Harm Markers Standard

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has proposed the creation of a European standard of markers of harm to help identify those at risk or problem gambling behavior online. The organization believes that it is essential to efforts to reduce gambling harm in Europe.

The proposal was submitted to the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), which is now conducting a ballot of its members, the national standardization bodies (NSBs) across Europe. These NSBs have until the end of the month to vote on whether the proposal should be approved. If it is approved, then discussions between academics, health experts, authorities, operators, and so on, will begin regarding how the standard should be developed.

We urge national standardisation bodies, gambling authorities, and other stakeholders to support this common-sense proposal to jointly develop a standard on markers of harm in Europe. A standard would be an essential element to help prevent risky and problem gambling behaviour and support consumer protection. The process to develop the standard would bring together the knowledge and expertise of academics, researchers, harm prevention experts and other stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the common purpose of preventing gambling-related harm.

Maarten HaijerEGBA Secretary General of EGBA