The year 2024 marks a turning point for the European online gaming industry. In its latest sustainability report, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) reveals unprecedented figures: more than €3.8 billion in taxes paid to the continent’s economy and 100 million prevention messages sent to players. These results demonstrate a growing commitment to responsible, regulated and sustainable gaming.
What is the link between taxes and player safety?
Beyond the financial figures, these €3.8 billion represent a tangible commitment to public services, infrastructure and local initiatives across the continent. However, it is the number of safety messages, up 48% from the previous year, with 28% of them personalised according to player behaviour, that illustrates a more qualitative intention: to work towards a gaming environment that is both safe and conscious.
Messages are sent via pop-ups (67%) or emails (25%), tailored to each individual’s habits. The effects are measurable: between 42% and 46% of players identified as at risk adjust their behaviour after receiving a targeted message. And 21% of them activate or reinforce their protection tools.
Security and social responsibility: concrete progress
Another key point in this report is the widespread use of protection tools. 69% of players, or 26.7 million individuals, used them in 2024. Half of them, around 13.2 million, adopted them voluntarily. In addition, 65% of voluntary users employ deposit limits, revealing a clear preference for a key mechanism of emotional and financial prevention.
Maarten Haijer speaks out
When asked about this report, Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA, emphasised the significance of the progress made:
“This year’s report shows that our members are not only contributing positively to the European economy, but also setting industry standards for safer gambling. We are particularly encouraged by the success of personalised safety messages, which, according to our report, have a positive impact on 42-46% of customers exhibiting high-risk behaviour. This is truly significant progress that builds trust and helps raise standards across the industry.
“Our members demonstrate that leadership in our industry is not just about commercial success: it is about protecting players, supporting communities and investing in the future of Europe. But to sustain these results, we need stable and supportive regulatory frameworks, as well as tougher enforcement against black market operators based outside Europe, who threaten the safety of European citizens and contribute nothing to our societies. The regulated sector is making substantial investments, but we need a longer-term political vision in some national markets.”
Responsibility beyond gaming: investment and training
The commitment does not stop with players. EGBA member operators employ 62,698 people, with a male-female ratio of 57% to 43%. In terms of broader efforts, they have invested €735 million in European sport (sponsorships, broadcasting rights, etc.) and €156.8 million has been donated to local associations or initiatives, representing a 4% increase over one year.
The social dimension continues to grow: €148.9 million was invested in research, education and treatment to prevent the harmful effects of gambling, bringing the total RET contributions over the last five years to €290 million. Finally, more than 55,000 employees (89%) received specific training in promoting responsible gaming, compared to 80% in 2023.
So what is the concrete impact for Europe?
The €3.8 billion in taxes feeds local and national budgets; the 100 million personalised messages potentially save at-risk players; investments in social and scientific areas strengthen long-term prevention. But all of this depends on a coherent and sustainable legal ecosystem, argues Maarten Haijer. Without a clear and reinforced framework against illegal gambling, these advances risk losing their effectiveness.
The EGBA’s 2025 report outlines an ambitious model: that of an online gambling industry that fully assumes its economic, social and environmental responsibilities. Progress is measurable, the effects tangible.