Online gambling has become a popular issue with people across the world. However, together with this, issues of illegal online gambling have also cropped up. In fact, this has caused great trouble for individuals and countries across the world. Recently, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has raised a red flag for illegal gambling activities.
Warning Against Illegal Online Gambling
The report stated that 65 percent of EGBA members’ customers, a record 21 million people, used safety tools in 2023. However, a letter from the CEOs in the report raised concerns about the growth of illegal online gambling in Europe. They mentioned that this issue highlights the urgent need for national policymakers to take action to protect players. The joint letter from six gambling industry CEOs: John Coates of bet365, Stella David of Entain, Peter Jackson of Flutter Entertainment, Jesper Svensson of Betsson Operations, Per Widerström of Evoke, and Nils Andén of Kindred has been the highlight.
The letter highlighted the use of human expertise and advanced technologies to protect and support players. However, it also raised concerns about the growth of illegal online gambling in Europe, which lacks basic consumer protections. The letter stated that regulatory frameworks in several European countries have worsened the problem. It called for national policymakers to take decisive action to protect players. The CEOs emphasised the need for competitive, regulated online gambling markets as the only effective solution. They urged policymakers to create regulatory frameworks that balance strong consumer protections with a competitive and innovative online gambling environment. Regulations should not make unsafe alternatives more appealing, especially to vulnerable players. A balanced approach is essential to mitigate risks and upholding the integrity of regulatory frameworks.
