The European Gaming & Betting Association has called on the European Committee for Standardisation to strengthen its support to prevent gambling-related harm.
In a proposal that the EGBA has submitted to CEN, the Committee has asked for a standardised list of markers of harm to be created to support safer online gambling and help prevent gambling-related harm in Europe.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA, stated: “We urge national standardisation bodies, gambling authorities, and other stakeholders to support this common-sense proposal to jointly develop a standard on markers of harm in Europe.
“A standard would be an essential element to help prevent risky and problem gambling behaviour and support consumer protection. The process to develop the standard would bring together the knowledge and expertise of academics, researchers, harm prevention experts and other stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the common purpose of preventing gambling-related harm.”
Currently, CEN – the body responsible for developing standards in Europe – is conducting a ballot of its members to determine whether the proposal should be approved, with the NSBs having until the end of December this year to vote.
Should the recommended proposals be adopted, relevant stakeholders, including academics, health experts, authorities, operators and consumer organisations, will be able to participate in the conversations to develop the standard.
Alongside the proposal, a group of academics also signed a joint letter of support for the markers of harm standard, which indicated that its development would “encourage research collaboration” to enhance the understanding of problem gambling and support harm prevention in Europe.
