Belgium: Lotteries must be preserved in the digital age

At a colloquium held in Belgium, European Lotteries (EL) underscored the importance of lotteries for Europe’s society and its ‘cultural heritage’.

The conference was organised with the help of Belgium’s national lottery under the auspice of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, and hosted Her Royal Highness Princess Claire of Belgium.

A key highlight from the platform was that lotteries across Europe have historically been supporting the communities through crucial funding. Today however, the focus should be on ensuring that these structures are preserved and adapted to the modern landscape marked by digital developments, another takeaway noted. 

Romana Girandon, President of EL, said: “The purpose of the EU at its core is to make the lives of EU citizens better. National lotteries, connecting millions of people across Europe and raising ​​€22bn in funds for public good in 2022, are helping to do just that. 

“This is why I am proud to be speaking here at the Colloquium, recognising the importance of the societal role of the lotteries in Europe.”

Other expert voices at the event included Jeroen Puttervils, Associate Research Professor, University of Antwerp, as well as Malcolm Fleming, President of the Association of Charity Lotteries in Europe – who reflected on the birth of lotteries and explained their current social landscape in Europe.

Koen Lenaert, President of the Court of Justice of the EU, was invited as a keynote speaker to provide insight into the court’s recognition of cultural, religious, and moral nuances that are shaping lotteries across the EU today. 

EL members like Veikkaus also had the chance to have their case studies presented to showcase their direct impact on society. 

The colloquium was held right after the EU Sport Forum, which EL attended to support the fight against match-fixing in European sports.