The European Casino Association said the manifesto is a “call to action” for European Union (EU) institutions, policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate for the future success of Europe’s casino sector and the success of the overall European economy.

It echoes the sector’s goal to stamp out illegal gambling activities, calling for the Commission to support member states “in regaining full control over all gambling services”.

The document outlines the pledge of its 28 members, including casino associations and individual operators, to fight crime, protect consumers and support competitiveness across the region.

The new European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, took office on 1 December, 2024. Von der Leyen’s re-election was approved by 370 votes, while 282 MEPs voted against and 36 abstained.

The ECA said it wants to support EU policymakers in implementing the goals proclaimed by the new Commission. The manifesto is therefore built on three pillars – support, protect and promote – designed to protect the member states’ economies, safeguard consumer well-being and champion economic growth.

Manifesto’s three pillars

In terms of support, the ECA said it stands ready to assist the EU in ensuring a safe and well-regulated gaming environment. Major priorities include addressing the rising threat of illegal gambling operators and their links to criminal activities.

It claims Europe is losing up to €10 billion in black market tax revenues every year, which “creates an uneven playing field, disadvantaging licensed operators”, the manifesto reads.

“European policymakers should support member states in regaining full control over all gambling services, so that laws, regulations and protective measures can be efficiently applied again,” it said.

The ECA seeks to protect the sector by ensuring that the well-being of European consumers remains central to the European Commission’s mission. The body will promote responsible gaming as well as safety and fairness in all casino operations.

Finally, in terms of promotion, the ECA’s members will seek to actively drive economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local communities and contributing to national and EU-wide GDP. The ECA has warned the new Commission that illegal operators deprive EU member states of more than €10 billion in tax revenues annually.

The manifesto has also called for the Commission to retain its level 2 AML risk classification for land-based casinos in the upcoming review of its AML assessment model (SNRA). Level 2 means land-based casinos are classiffied as being at “medium risk level”.

Speaking about the manifesto, ECA chair Erwin van Lambaart said: “This document reflects our commitment to supporting the EU and member states’ efforts to uphold a regulated and responsible land-based casino sector. We call on policymakers to collaborate with us in safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry against illegal operators while fostering economic growth and protecting consumers.”

The ECA’s members include Holland Casino, Casinos Austria, Belgian Casino Federation and Casino Cosmopol.