Press Releases

02.05.2024

A new analysis by EGBA concludes that 27 out of 31 European countries employ some form of multi-licensing for online gambling, with an overwhelming majority implementing a full multi-licensing approach. In recent years, Europe has experienced a remarkable transformation in online gambling regulation. Just fifteen years ago, the landscape was vastly different. Most European countries lacked dedicated regulations for online gambling or operated under exclusive rights models where only state-owned entities had a monopoly to offer online gambling services.[1] But fast forward to today and the situation has evolved significantly. A new analysis[2] by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) concludes that the multi-licensing model has become the predominant regulatory approach in Europe. Under this model, multiple companies are permitted to offer online gambling services within a country, provided they comply with strict regulatory obligations. Key findings of the analysis: 27 out of 31 European countries have adopted some...

24.04.2024

The EU's new anti-money laundering package aims to create a more consistent regulatory framework and will benefit online gambling operators by standardising AML rules and reporting requirements across member states. Brussels, 24 April 2024 – The European Parliament has approved the EU’s new anti-money laundering (AML) package at its plenary sitting today, marking a significant milestone towards a new EU framework for combatting financial crime. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), representing Europe’s leading online gambling operators, welcomes the Parliament’s approval of the new AML package and believes the incoming rule changes will strengthen the EU’s approach to tackling money laundering. The new package will contain: A single rulebook regulation – with provisions on conducting due diligence on customers, transparency of beneficial owners and the use of crypto-assets. The 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive – containing national provisions on supervision and national AML authorities, as well as on the access...

05.03.2024

New EU regulation will oblige member states to provide their citizens with a standardised EU electronic identification method to enable citizens to identify and authenticate their identity online, while remaining voluntary for citizens and businesses to use. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomes the recent approval by the European Parliament of a Regulation introducing a new European Digital Identity (e-ID). The Parliament’s endorsement of the e-ID marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more secure and inclusive digital environment for all citizens across the European Union (EU). The new e-ID will be a transformative tool that addresses several concerns in the digital sphere. According to the Regulation, adopted by the Parliament on 29 February, the e-ID will allow citizens to identify and authenticate themselves online without having to resort to commercial providers – a practice that has, in the past, raised trust, security and privacy concerns...

23.02.2024

The establishment of AMLA is a fundamental part of the ongoing reform of the EU's anti-money laundering framework. Brussels, 23 February 2024 – The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), the association representing Europe’s leading gambling operators, welcomes the recent confirmation of Frankfurt as the seat of the new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). This agreement, reached by the EU institutions, creates a European anti-money laundering authority which will operate together with, and in addition to, the already existing national anti-money laundering (AML) authorities of the EU member states. AMLA, which will commence operations in mid-2025 with over 400 staff members, will possess both direct and indirect supervisory powers over obligated entities, including the EU’s biggest financial institutions. With the power to intervene in cross-border cases, AMLA is expected to provide comprehensive guidance that further harmonises AML rules and their application, including creating a standardised reporting template for Suspicious Transaction...

02.02.2024

The association publishes its Annual Activity Report for 2023, highlighting key achievements and the latest online gambling data from its members. Brussels, 02 February 2024 – The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), representing Europe’s leading online gaming and betting companies, has published its Annual Activity Report for 2023. From driving collaboration within the gambling sector to highlighting the latest online gambling data from its members, the report showcases EGBA’s efforts to raise industry standards and promote greater transparency in Europe’s gambling sector. The Annual Activity Report 2023 showcases EGBA’s recent efforts to raise standards in areas such as anti-money laundering, safer gambling, and collaboration. Notable initiatives from EGBA in the past twelve months include its introduction of robust anti-money laundering guidelines for Europe’s online gambling sector, the association’s work towards the standardisation of markers of harm at European level, and its initiatives to foster collaboration within the sector on...

19.12.2023

Italy’s proposed new fees for online gambling licenses will be the highest in the EU and will make the country’s online gambling black market problem worse, not better. Brussels, 19 December 2023 - The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is deeply concerned about the proposed new Italian decree on online gambling, which is currently under discussion in the Council of Ministers. The decree includes provisions that would introduce a significant reorganisation of the sector, particularly regarding the cost of license fees. The possible introduction of (quasi) prohibitive licensing regimes and fees also raises concerns on compliance with EU law, which will merit consideration. Recent news reports suggest the decree will set an unprecedented €7 million license fee, far surpassing other EU Member States. EGBA believes that such a substantial increase in the license cost is unwarranted, particularly when compared to the country’s previous licensing tenders for online gambling operations....