EGBA Supports New European Gambling Harm Standard

A new European standard aimed at improving the identification of risky gambling behaviour has received support from major online gambling operators across the continent. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) announced that its members will align their player protection measures with EN 18144, a voluntary framework published on 31 May 2026 through the national standardisation bodies of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).

The standard introduces a common approach for recognising behavioural patterns that may indicate an increased risk of gambling-related harm. EGBA described the publication as a significant development for consumer protection and said its members already apply many of the measures outlined in the framework.

EN 18144 emerged from a proposal submitted by EGBA to CEN in 2022. Industry representatives, regulators, researchers and specialists involved in harm prevention contributed to its development. National standardisation bodies approved the framework in October 2025, paving the way for its release and adoption across Europe.

Nine Behavioural Indicators Form the Core

The standard identifies nine categories of behavioural markers that operators can monitor to detect changes in player activity. These include shifts in betting volume, the speed of gambling activity, deposit patterns and cancelled withdrawals.

The framework also considers player contact with operators, the duration of gambling sessions, gambling activity during specific periods of the day, the use of multiple gambling products, long-term loss patterns and changes to responsible gambling tools such as spending limits or self-exclusion measures.

According to the standard, these indicators should support a broader evaluation of player behaviour. It notes that individual markers do not represent a diagnosis of gambling addiction and should not automatically be treated as evidence of problem gambling. Instead, operators should assess behavioural changes in context and consider how different indicators interact with one another.

Industry Already Applying Many Measures

EGBA stated that most of its members already monitor all nine behavioural indicators. Several operators have incorporated the measures throughout their businesses and use risk-scoring systems to assess customer activity on an ongoing basis.

The association said member companies will continue working toward alignment with the standard across the European markets where they operate. The aim is to create greater consistency in responsible gambling practices while respecting local regulatory requirements.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said: "This is an important milestone for player protection in Europe. When widely adopted, this voluntary standard will lead to earlier identification of risky play and, ultimately, better protection for players. [...] We encourage other operators to adopt the standard and help raise the bar on player protection across Europe."

Voluntary Standard Works Alongside National Laws

The framework does not create new regulatory obligations. It serves as a shared reference that complements existing national gambling regulations.

EGBA said implementation will vary between jurisdictions where local laws affect the use of specific indicators. The association added that operators can apply the standard while remaining compliant with national requirements.

The standard, officially titled EN 18144:2025, focuses on early identification of potential gambling-related risks. EGBA said it will continue supporting implementation across Europe.

Source:

“European Standard On Markers Of Harm Now Published – EGBA Members Commit To Alignment”, egba.eu, Jun 1, 2026