CEN to develop a European standard for markers of gambling-related harm
Body approves an EGBA proposal to establish a common standard to support safer online gambling and strengthen player protection in Europe
The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has approved a continent-wide standardisation on the markers of gambling-related harm put forward by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) last month.
The new standard will aim to support safer online gambling and improve player protection across Europe.
The CEN is the body responsible for developing standards across Europe and has said that while organisations, including the health sector and gambling operators, use markers for harm, there is no commonly agreed list of behaviours which constitutes definitive markers of harm.
The CEN voted on the EGBA proposal in December 2022. Following its approval, a discussion process will take place where academics, health experts, operators, regulators and consumer bodies can provide input into developing the standard.
The body has said that while the CEN standard will be a voluntary tool, it could potentially be made legally binding through future legislation.
Work to establish the standard is expected to commence during Q1.
Maarten Haijer, EGBA secretary general, said: “We’re delighted that CEN has approved EGBA’s proposal to establish a standardised list of markers of harm, and we thank its members for their support. This decision is a milestone and a significant step forward for safer gambling in Europe.
“We also thank our members for their strong commitment to safer gambling and unwavering support to make this proposal possible.
“The CEN process will provide a unique and valuable opportunity for key European stakeholders to pull together their resources and expertise to support safer gambling. We look forward to contributing the sector’s knowledge and experience to the process,” he added.