The recent announcement that the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has adopted the first indicators of risky gambling behaviour marks a major step forward in player protection and has been welcomed by BAGO, the Belgian association of online gambling operators.
The first European standards: a symbolic but long-awaited step forward
The CEN has just approved common European indicators for the first time. Designed to identify problematic behaviour, these tools should enable operators to intervene earlier to prevent excessive gambling.
However, their application remains voluntary. In other words, platforms are not yet obliged to incorporate them. This choice raises questions: can non-binding regulations really change practices?
For BAGO, the stakes are clear. The association immediately expressed its support for these indicators, promising to help its members include them in their responsible gambling policies.
European cooperation: the key to effective supervision
The aim of these new indicators is to gradually bring Member States to adopt uniform criteria. Such harmonisation would:
- increase transparency,
- improve surveillance,
- and guarantee greater security for citizens.
For operators, it is not just a question of complying with obligations, but also of benefiting from concrete tools enabling them to prove their commitment to responsible gambling.
From theory to practice: an open challenge
While the European initiative represents a turning point, many experts believe that it will only be truly effective if the Member States make a firm commitment. For the time being, each country retains a great deal of autonomy.
Belgium, a pioneer in terms of regulation, could play a leading role in encouraging its neighbours to go further. But how can more permissive jurisdictions be persuaded to accept a stricter framework?
Some players also fear that overly rigid rules will encourage players to turn to illegal sites, which are beyond any control. A delicate balance therefore needs to be struck.
A mission at the heart of BAGO
For BAGO, fair, safe and responsible gaming is not just a slogan, but the very heart of its mission. The association is convinced that sustainable cooperation at European level is essential to raise player protection to a higher level.
The history of online gambling in Europe is still being written. But one thing is certain: pressure is mounting on Brussels and the Member States to turn words into action.