EGBA Welcomes Approval of New European Standard on Markers of Harm

The new standard, originally proposed by EGBA, represents a major milestone in strengthening player protection across Europe. An overwhelming majority of member bodies voted in favor of the initiative, underlining broad support for a unified approach to identifying and preventing risky gambling behaviors.

“The positive outcome of this vote is a real testament to the power of collaboration across our sector,” said Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA. “When EGBA first proposed this initiative to CEN, we envisioned creating a commonly agreed standard that would benefit players across Europe. We’re delighted with the support the standard has received, and I want to personally thank all the stakeholders who participated in this process. The result shows what happens when we work together to strengthen player protection.” 

“After years of driving this project through its conception and development, seeing the overwhelming support it has received is incredibly rewarding,” added Vasiliki Panousi, Senior Manager of EU Affairs at EGBA. “This will be the first commonly agreed European standard for identifying risky gambling behaviors, and it will serve as a key foundation for effective harm prevention across Europe. The collaboration to develop this standard was invaluable, bringing together diverse expertise from across the continent.”

EGBA extended special thanks to Dr. Maris Catania, who served as the project leader, and to AFNOR, the French standardisation body that coordinated the project as Secretariat within CEN. The association also acknowledged the contributions of delegates from national standardisation committees, academics, regulators, operators, and harm-prevention specialists who participated in the multi-year process.

The voting process concluded on 25 September 2025, marking a major step forward for responsible gambling in Europe. However, the standard must now undergo CEN’s formal finalisation process, which includes language translations and procedural steps before publication — a process expected to be completed by early 2026.

Once published, the standard will be available for voluntary adoption by gambling regulators and licensed operators across Europe, paving the way for greater consistency and effectiveness in player protection measures throughout the continent.