EGBA Pushes for EU Standard on Gambling Harm Detection

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has called on delegates from national standardisation bodies to support a proposed European framework on gambling harm indicators. The vote, which closes on 25 September 2025 at the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), could deliver a common benchmark for how the industry identifies risky player behaviour online.

Good to Know

• The standard would define a shared set of behavioural signals, such as sudden changes in playing time or speed.
• It has been developed through collaboration between regulators, academics, operators, and harm prevention experts.
• If adopted, the framework could be published in early 2026 and applied voluntarily by EU countries.

At the heart of the proposal is the concept of “markers of harm.” These are measurable behavioural patterns that, when assessed collectively, help detect when a player may be at risk of developing harmful gambling habits. By creating a unified set of indicators, the standard aims to support earlier interventions and strengthen consumer protection measures across Europe.

The initiative has been in development since EGBA first approached CEN in 2022. Throughout the process, experts from multiple disciplines – from gambling regulation to public health – have contributed through national standardisation delegations. The Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) has already voiced its support, signalling strong regulatory alignment.

One of the biggest challenges today is that while many operators already use behavioural markers, there is no single framework that defines which actions should be considered warning signs. EGBA’s proposal is designed to close that gap, giving regulators and operators a shared evidence-based tool.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, described the vote as “a milestone moment for safer gambling in Europe,” adding:

“This EGBA-proposed initiative demonstrates precisely the kind of collaboration we need more of – bringing together stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences to create something for the common good. We call on national delegates to approve the important standard, which will contribute to a better understanding of problem gambling behaviour and support more effective harm prevention across Europe.”

If approved, CEN is expected to publish the standard no later than early 2026. Although it will remain voluntary, regulators in EU countries will have the option to embed it into their safer gambling policies. For the industry, it could mark the start of a more consistent and coordinated approach to protecting players.

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