EGBA welcomes European Commission’s commitment to improving the digital single market
29.01.2020
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has welcomed the European Commission’s commitment to improving the digital single market, as outlined its 2020 work programme published today.
In its work programme, the Commission announces several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the operation of the single market, particularly for digital services, and making it work more effectively for online consumers. In particular, EGBA welcomes the Commission’s commitment to publish in 2020 a new digital services act, a report on barriers to the single market and an action plan for enforcing single market rules.
EGBA believes the Commission’s commitment to improving the digital single market should include a review of its approach to online gambling. With more than 16.5 million Europeans betting online, there is clearly a need for a more consistent EU policy towards this cross-border sector worth €22.2 billion and growing by 10% each year.
For instance, the Commission never followed up on its 2014 recommendation on consumer protection and responsible advertising for online gambling – which has been implemented fully by only one EU member state[1] – leaving many EU betting consumers exposed to inadequate levels of consumer protection online.
“EGBA welcomes the Commission’s commitment to making the single market work for online consumers. More than 16.5 million Europeans bet online but their rights are not protected by any EU rules. It is time to bring the EU’s approach to online gambling into the 21st century – the Commission should act.” – Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA.
[1] Europeans are not fully protected by EU rules for online gambling – study
