EGBA Reports Safer Gambling Progress - 2025 Data Shows Increased Efforts

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) published its Annual Activity Report 2026 in Brussels on July 9, 2026. The report focuses on the organization's work over the past year and aggregated data from its member companies for 2025. Significant progress in safer gambling practices, advertising, anti-money laundering, and industry standards across Europe is highlighted. It is evident that the industry must continue to evolve to meet increasing demands for player protection, and the EGBA aims to play a leading role in this.

Numbers and facts

EGBA members currently hold 401 online gambling licenses in 22 European countries. They collectively account for approximately 30 percent of Europe's online gambling Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). In 2022, EGBA members sent 45.5 million safer gambling messages to customers. This represents a 20 percent increase year-on-year, underscoring the growing commitment to player protection. A total of 48 percent of these messages were personalized, targeting customers who displayed concerning gambling behavior. This rate increased by 42 percent compared to the previous report. In 2023, the number of messages sent further increased to 67.6 million, with 23 million being personalized.

The fifth annual European Safer Gambling Week achieved record participation, according to EGBA. For the first time, safer gambling messages were displayed at live televised football matches in several countries. EGBA also launched safergambling.eu, a dedicated platform providing country-specific helplines and self-exclusion resources. The platform aims to help players quickly and easily find support in their respective markets. EGBA's 2025 Annual Sustainability Report included data on tax contributions to European economies for the first time.

A significant achievement was the approval of the first European standard on markers of harm for online gambling. EGBA had proposed this initiative in 2022. Additionally, a Responsible Influencer Marketing Pledge was launched with the European Advertising Standards Alliance, aiming for responsible influencer marketing in the gambling sector. EGBA’s efforts in anti-money laundering also continued and expanded.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, emphasized the significance of the past year:

“It was a landmark year for EGBA in several respects: the most impactful European Safer Gambling Week yet, the approval of the first European standard on markers of harm, new standards on influencer marketing, and continued progress under our AML Guidelines.” – Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA

He also highlighted Finland's transition to a multi-licensed market. This move, which EGBA has long advocated for, validates their position that competitive, regulated markets are the most effective way to protect consumers and address the illegal market. In 2022, 60 percent of active customer accounts used at least one safer gambling tool, either voluntarily or mandatorily. For 30 percent, usage was voluntary. Deposit limits were the most popular voluntary tool at 67 percent, followed by time limits at 14 percent.

CEOs of leading operators, including John Coates of Bet365, Jesper Svensson of Betsson, and Peter Jackson of Flutter, wrote a joint letter. They stated that “an investment in those systems is a necessary investment in a sustainable future for the sector.”

Background

These developments illustrate how the European online gambling sector is addressing the challenges of player protection and regulation. EGBA and its members are committed to building and maintaining player trust through transparency and improved standards. This also includes continuous collaboration with regulatory authorities to create a balanced environment for operators and players. Efforts to curb the black market are central. The CEOs stated: “The time to act is now.” EGBA argues that strict regulations without attractive legal alternatives fuel the black market, where players enjoy zero protection. In Germany, according to a 2023 Leipzig study, only 50.7 percent of players use legal online offerings.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, EGBA's efforts are relevant, even though Germany has its own path with the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). This treaty has established strict rules applicable in Germany. These include a wager limit of one euro per spin on online slots and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros across all providers. The central monitoring system LUGAS, which controls these limits, is designed to centrally ensure player protection. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is responsible for licensing and supervising German online casinos.

While European standards, such as those of EGBA, aim for a broader base, German players are already very well protected by the GlüStV 2021. The GGL whitelist lists all legal providers, making it easy for players to identify safe and state-controlled offerings. Players in Germany benefit from this transparency and the clearly defined protective measures. I recommend that German players exclusively use providers listed on this whitelist. This ensures compliance with all German player protection regulations and provides a legal point of contact in case of problems.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For online casinos with a German GGL license, the EGBA standards confirm that the direction is right. The strict requirements of the GlüStV 2021 go beyond EGBA's recommendations in many areas, particularly regarding deposit limits and central monitoring by LUGAS. Nevertheless, EGBA's efforts show a European trend towards greater player protection and responsibility. German providers must keep an eye on these developments to remain competitive in Europe and potentially anticipate future adjustments in German regulation. A high standard of player protection is not just a legal obligation but also a competitive advantage, as it strengthens player trust and improves the industry's image. I also see more and more international standards being adopted that will eventually influence the strict German rules.