EGBA Asks for Approval for the European Safer Gambling Standard : PMPMedia.io

By Arijit Roul - 20 Sep, 2025 More about the author

The planned standard sets one shared list of behavioural signs for risky gambling activity.

Key Points

EGBA asks for approval for the European “markers of harm” standard in online gambling.
The framework gives one shared list of behavioural markers to support early action.
If passed, it will come out in early 2026 as a voluntary framework.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) told national delegates to vote for the new “markers of harm” standard. The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) manages the vote, closing 25 September, after EGBA began this process in 2022. This standard aims to create a joint framework of behaviour markers for risky gambling. Markers include shifts in gambling speed, play duration, and frequency levels of sessions.

By tracking such behaviours, operators could use early steps to stop gambling harm. In the development of this framework, we worked with regulators, experts, operators, and prevention professionals. The European Forum for Gaming Regulators (GREF) supported this.

EU Moves Toward Unified Gambling Harm-Prevention Standard

Presently, each operator implements their own systems for reporting on gambling behaviour, which do not conform to an EU-wide standard. If agreed, it ensures the same rules across borders and helps alignment for risky play response. Maarten Haijer, EGBA Secretary General, said: “The vote is a big step for safer gambling in Europe. This proposal shows we need collaboration, sharing knowledge, and common action for the public good.”

He also urged national delegates: “Approve this standard, it helps understand problem gambling and supports stronger harm prevention.” If passed, the standard will be available by the start of 2026. It stays voluntary, and national regulators can decide if they add it to local rules.