The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is pushing for a unified standard on markers of harm to be implemented across Europe. The Brussels-based trade association recently submitted a standardization proposal to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), stating that a standardized list of markers of harm will play a vital role in preventing gambling harm throughout Europe.
“Common-Sense” Proposal Essential in Addressing Problem Gambling
EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer is calling for support for what he describes as a “common sense” proposal, saying it would be essential in helping prevent problem gambling and enhancing player protection.
To be fully adopted, the proposed markers of harm standard must obtain approval from gambling authorities in Europe and CEN’s national standardization bodies (NSBs). CEN has already opened a ballot to allow NSBs to vote on the proposal until the end of December 2022.
Proposed Standard will Benefit all Stakeholders
Once approved, gambling academics and researchers, experts in harm prevention, gambling operators, authorities, consumer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders will be directly involved in the development of the standard. The EGBA said “a group of leading academics” has already expressed their support for the proposal through a joint letter.
The EGBA said it believes that adopting a standardized list of harm indicators would be beneficial for all stakeholders working to combat gambling harm in Europe.