EGBA: a standard that could change everything  

On 31 May 2026, the European standard EN 18144 on risk indicators for gambling was published by the national standardisation bodies that are members of the European Committee for Standardisation, supported by the EGBA.  

A European benchmark for detecting risks earlier  

The publication of the European standard EN 18144 is significant for the online gambling sector in Europe. This standard aims to help operators identify behaviours that may indicate a risk of problem gambling at an earlier stage.  

The challenge is clear: not to wait until difficulties become apparent too late. How can an operator spot a player whose habits are gradually changing? At what point should an increase in deposits, a rise in the frequency of play or a change in safety limits alert an operator? The new standard provides a structured response to these questions.  

The Brussels-based EGBA supports this initiative and states that its members are committed to gradually aligning their player protection measures with this new benchmark in their European operations. The standard does not replace national regulatory frameworks, but it establishes a common basis designed to strengthen prevention.  

Nine indicators at the heart of the framework 

The EN 18144 standard identifies nine key behavioural indicators that can help identify risky gambling patterns. These indicators cover several aspects of a player’s behaviour: the amount of money wagered, the frequency of play, the duration of sessions, deposits, withdrawals, losses, the use of multiple products, and interactions with safety tools.  

Changes in the volume or frequency of bets are among the first signs observed. A sudden or unusual increase may indicate a worrying change in behaviour. The standard also looks at the speed and intensity of play, two factors that can reveal a gradual loss of control.  

Deposits also play a significant role in this analysis framework. Their frequency, amount, and failed deposits can serve as useful indicators. Similarly, withdrawals and withdrawal cancellations are included among the indicators, as they may reveal a shift in the player’s relationship with their winnings or losses. 

The standard also takes into account contacts initiated by the player, the duration of sessions, the times of day when they play, the use of multiple gaming products, net losses and their trajectory over time. Finally, it includes changes related to safety tools, such as limits set by the player or self-exclusion measures.  

An initiative launched in 2022 

The EGBA had proposed this initiative to the European Committee for Standardisation in 2022. The drafting process subsequently involved several categories of stakeholders: operators, national authorities, academics and stakeholders involved in risk prevention.  

Prior to its publication, the text received overwhelming approval from national standardisation bodies in October 2025. Its official publication on 31 May 2026 now gives it European visibility through the national bodies that are members of the European Committee for Standardisation.  

EGBA members already on board  

EGBA members state that they have already begun to apply the principles of the standard in their activities across Europe. Most are already monitoring the nine behavioural indicators mentioned in the text, and many have integrated them into all their operations.  

This implementation relies in particular on risk assessment models. These systems are used to continuously analyse players’ behaviour and to flag the emergence of concerning patterns. The aim is to identify risky patterns before they lead to more serious harm.  

The voluntary nature of the standard is a key feature. EN 18144 is not presented as a mandatory rule replacing national laws. Rather, it complements the existing regulatory frameworks in the various European countries.  

“An important step” for Maarten Haijer 

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association, describes this publication as a key milestone for player protection:   

“This is an important step forward for player protection in Europe. Once widely adopted, this voluntary standard will enable the earlier detection of risky behaviour and, ultimately, ensure better protection for players. Our members are ahead of the curve in its implementation: they are already applying many aspects of the standard and are committed to harmonising it across all their European operations. We encourage other operators to adopt this standard and thus help raise the level of player protection across Europe.”  

Availability across Europe  

The EN 18144 standard is now available for purchase from national standards bodies across Europe. Its release marks the start of a new phase: that of its effective adoption by operators and its integration into existing player protection measures.  

The EGBA reaffirms its commitment to supporting its members and the entire sector in this implementation. The standard’s success will now depend on its ability to become a practical benchmark, used consistently by operators across different European markets.