SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
A proposed pan-European markers of harm standard has been submitted by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) at the request of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).
The continental trade body argues that a reliable list of standardised harm markers is ‘essential’ for cross-border gambling harm prevention and to bolster online safety via the early identification of problem gamblers.
In support of its proposal, the EGBA pointed to a joint letter from ‘leading academics’ backing the standard, which it states indicates that the move would encourage research collaboration on gambling harm across Europe.
Maarten Haijer, EGBA Secretary General, said: “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.”
The EGBA calls on all European stakeholders to support approval of the standard – a ballot of the CEN’s national standardisation bodies (NSBs) is currently being conducted to decide this.
NSBs have until the end of the month to vote. If the proposal is adopted, relevant stakeholders such as academics, health experts, authorities, operators, and consumer organisations will be able to participate in the standard’s development.
The EGBA’s proposal follows the trade body’s call for greater cross-border cooperation, particularly regarding player protection and responsible betting, to avoid stricter regulations.
“A standard would be an essential element to help prevent risky and problem gambling behaviour and support consumer protection,” Haijer continued.
“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.”
