EGBA lauds sustainability against black market threats

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has released its latest sustainability report, showing that 65% of customers from EGBA members, totalling a record 21 million, used safety tools in 2023.

In a joint letter, CEOs expressed concerns about the growing illegal online gambling market in Europe. They emphasised the urgent need for national policymakers to act decisively to protect players.

The EGBA’s fourth annual sustainability report highlighted a 14% year-over-year increase in the voluntary use of safer gambling tools by more than half of its 21 million customers.

The report outlined the joint efforts of its members to promote sustainable gambling and positively impact society in Europe. It noted a record 67.6 million safer play messages sent to customers, up 49% from the previous year, with 23 million personalised based on customer behaviour.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, praised the significant progress in safer gambling, especially in the deployment of safety tools and direct interactions with players regarding their behaviour. He emphasised the members’ commitment to embedding a sustainable approach to gambling.

“We’re pleased to publish our latest sustainability report, highlighting significant progress by our members in many areas of safer gambling, particularly in the roll-out of safety tools and their direct interactions with players about their playing behaviour. ” Haijer, commented,“This demonstrates their collective efforts to embed a sustainable approach to gambling at the heart of what they do.”

The annual report tracks progress, supports transparency, and reinforces social responsibility. Key highlights include customer data, safer gambling tools, social contributions, employment and diversity, and environmental metrics.

The report revealed that 70% of customers used deposit limits voluntarily. Personalized messages promoting safer gambling were mostly delivered through on-screen pop-ups (70%) and emails (25%). Additionally, 80% of the 45,000 employees received dedicated safer gambling training.

The effectiveness of safety messages improved, with 65% of customers who showed problematic play either improving or stabilizing their behavior. Of these, 45% improved, 10% stopped playing, and 10% stabilized their play. Furthermore, 32% voluntarily activated or strengthened safety tools like self-exclusion in response to these messages.

Customer accounts increased by 4% year-over-year to 32.5 million, with 72% male and 28% female customers. The majority were aged 26-50.

EGBA members allocated €61.2 million to problem gambling research, education, and treatment, and €151.4 million to charities and community initiatives across Europe. The report noted that members employed 58,633 people, with a gender split of 57% male and 43% female.

Total energy consumption was 253.4 GWh, with 71.8% from renewable sources, and greenhouse gas emissions were 0.93 million tonnes CO2e.

In a letter, six industry CEOs highlighted the use of human expertise and advanced technologies to protect and support players around the clock. The joint letter signed by the six gambling  CEOs of John Coates, Joint Group Chief Executive of bet365; Stella David, interim CEO of Entain; Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment; Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Operations; Per Widerström, CEO of evoke; and Nils Andén, CEO of Kindred.

The CEOs expressed concerns about the illegal online gambling market’s lack of basic consumer protections and criticised regulatory frameworks in Europe for exacerbating the problem. They called for balanced regulatory frameworks that protect consumers while fostering a competitive and innovative gambling environment.

Haijer echoed the CEOs’ concerns about the growing black market and its risks to players and safer gambling progress. He highlighted the expanded reporting with new metrics on safety tools and messages promoting safer play.

To read the full EGBA Sustainability Report 2024, click here.