APAJO joins EGBA in EU initiative on online advertising and copyright protection
23.02.2023
APAJO, the Portuguese online gambling association, has signed up to a European Commission initiative aimed at reducing advertising on copyright-infringing websites.
BRUSSELS/LISBON, TODAY – APAJO, the Portuguese online gambling association, has signed up to a European Commission Memorandum of Understanding on online advertising and intellectual property rights, joining other online advertising sector stakeholders who are already working together under the agreement. APAJO is the first national gambling association to join the MoU initiative, in addition to the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) at EU-level.
Facilitated by the European Commission, the Memorandum of understanding on online advertising and intellectual property rights (MoU) is an agreement between stakeholders across various European online advertising sectors to reduce advertising on websites that infringe copyrights, such as illegal sports and movie streaming websites. The internet’s advertising ecosystem is complex, and this can sometimes lead to advertising from legitimate brands, including gambling companies, being placed on such websites.
EGBA was a founding signatory of the MoU in 2018, and its efforts to promote the initiative to Europe’s gambling sector have yielded positive results since then. A recent progress report by the European Commission found that, in 2021, advertising from major gambling brands had decreased by 55% on copyright-infringing websites in the EU.
The MoU is open to all partners and EGBA encourages other gambling associations to join EGBA and APAJO in signing up to the MoU and its aims.
For more information:
“Advertisement is a central component of a safe and licensed online gambling environment. This industry is a relevant advertising sector and APAJO members are aware that, in parallel to the promotion of their brands and activities being indispensable to the channelization of the Portuguese consumer to the regulated environment, we have the responsibility of adhering to and promoting good practices in advertisement and communication. We are very happy to join the EGBA and other signatories of the MoU, as we subscribe to its spirit and mission.” – Ricardo Domingues, President, APAJO.
“We welcome APAJO joining us in support of the European Commission’s initiative to reduce advertising on copyright-infringing websites. The initiative has already proven that when we work together, online advertising sectors can achieve positive results. But there is still more work to do and we continue to encourage other gambling associations to sign up to the MoU and play their part in ensuring that gambling advertising, and its placement, is conducted in a responsible way.” – Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA.
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About APAJO
APAJO – Associação Portuguesa de Apostas e Jogos Online – was founded in 2018 with the aim to support and improve the legal framework of online betting and casino, make it sustainable to local and international operators, follow new developments and trends and keep bets and games safe for all stakeholders: industry, sport, and consumers. More information on https://apajo.pt
About EGBA
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is the Brussels-based trade association representing the leading online gambling operators established, licensed, and regulated within the EU, including bet365, Betsson Group, Entain, Flutter, Kindred Group, and William Hill. EGBA works together with national and EU authorities and other stakeholders towards a well-regulated and well-channelled online gambling market which provides a high level of consumer protection and takes account of the realities of the internet and online consumer demand. EGBA member companies meet the highest regulatory standards and, in 2021, had 225 online gambling licenses to provide their services to 29,8 million customers across 21 different European countries. Currently, EGBA members account for 33% of Europe’s online gambling gross gaming revenue (GGR).