The European Casino Association (ECA) has released its 2025 manifesto, urging the European Union (EU) to collaborate on advancing the success of Europe’s casino industry. The manifesto comes at a pivotal moment with the new European Commission taking office under President Ursula von der Leyen. It marks the beginning of a fresh five-year term that will shape the future of EU gambling policies.

A Unified Call for Support, Protection, and Promotion

The ECA’s manifesto outlines a clear framework for the coming years, built on three central pillars: support, protect, and promote. These pillars reflect the core goals of the ECA as it seeks to contribute to both the growth of the EU’s gambling sector and its broader economic success.

• Support: The ECA is committed to assisting EU institutions in ensuring a safe, regulated environment for gambling. It highlights the growing threat of illegal gambling operators, which not only evade taxes but also fuel criminal activity. According to the manifesto, these illegal operations cost the EU €10 billion in lost tax revenue annually.
• Protect: The association underscores its commitment to consumer safety, ensuring that the gambling industry remains trustworthy and accountable. The ECA supports the responsible gaming initiatives and fair play regulations to safeguard players across Europe.
• Promote: The ECA advocates for fostering economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local communities, and contributing to national and EU GDP. The association argues that legal, licensed operators have a pivotal role in sustaining economic competitiveness within Europe, providing a strong contrast to the impact of illegal operators who drain resources from EU member states.

Combating Illegal Gambling and Enhancing EU Competitiveness

The most pressing issue addressed in the manifesto is the threat of illegal gambling, which is rapidly growing across Europe. The ECA estimates that the illegal sector contributes up to €32 billion in unlicensed online gaming revenue. This not only damages the reputation of licensed operators but also poses risks to consumer safety, as illegal providers do not adhere to the necessary checks and safeguards.

The ECA is calling on the EU and member states to reinforce their commitment to combating illegal gambling by enhancing enforcement of anti-money laundering (AML) measures. They also urge policymakers to ensure that all gambling services are operated within national legal frameworks, emphasizing the need for regulatory uniformity across the EU.

Furthermore, the manifesto stresses the importance of ensuring fair competition in the market, advocating for a fairer approach to taxation and financial regulations for the land-based casino sector, which has long been overshadowed by illicit operations.

The Manifesto and Its Reception by Lawmakers

The manifesto has already made waves in the EU, with various lawmakers responding to the association’s calls for action. While some have supported the initiative, others have raised concerns about the impact of the level 2 AML risk classification for land-based casinos, which is set to be reviewed in the upcoming European Commission assessment. Despite differing opinions, the general consensus appears to favor stricter regulation of the gambling sector to protect consumers and ensure fair practices.

ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart expressed strong optimism about the reform, stating: “This manifesto reflects our commitment to supporting EU efforts in regulating and promoting a safe, responsible gambling environment. We urge EU policymakers to work with us in eliminating illegal gambling and fostering a more secure and competitive marketplace.”

A Strategic Shift for the Gambling Sector

The ECA’s manifesto serves as a blueprintfor the next five years, focusing on the regulation of the gambling sector and the protection of consumers in the European Union. With the backing of major members like Holland Casino, Casinos Austria, and Casino Cosmopol, the ECA aims to leverage its influence to shape policies that support the growth of a regulated, fair, and economically viable gambling industry.

As the European Commission begins to implement its 2024-2029 agenda, the ECA’s vision and the strategic priorities it has outlined in this manifesto are likely to play a crucial role in the future of the European gambling market.

Source:

The European Casino Association Publishes Its Visionary Manifesto for EU Policymakers – European Casino Association, December 1, 2024