The chief executives of Europe’s top gambling operator groups have called for “smarter, more balanced” regulation to improve the fortunes of the continent’s gaming system – and reduce the impact of the black market.
The leaders of bet365, Betsson Group, Entain, evoke, FDJ United, Flutter Entertainment, LeoVegas Group and Superbet, said the balanced regulatory approach across Europe is “at risk” due to unregulated and untaxed operators based outside Europe that are “thriving across the continent.”
Penning a joint letter as part of their European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) membership, the CEOs said: “Europe has a clear choice: either let regulated markets continue to lose ground to unregulated operators who undermine consumer protection and offer nothing positive to our society, or work together to protect players and support responsible operators who invest billions every year in Europe’s future.”
“We believe in the path of cooperation and are committed to building it further,” they added.
Those that signed the letter included bet365’s joint group CEO, John Coates, Betsson Operations’ Jesper Svensson, Entain’s Stella David and FDJ United’s Nils Andén.
Flutter CEO Peter Jackson, LeoVegas’ Mattias Wedar, Per Widerström of evoke and Jimmy Maymann from Superbet Group also threw their support behind the matter.
The CEOs urged policymakers to prioritise regulation that is “evidence-based and behaviourally informed” to improve channelisation rates.
They want regulators to “strengthen enforcement against black market operators” based outside Europe and for industry stakeholders to promote and only work with licensed operators in Europe.”
“Despite these challenges, Europe is well positioned to lead the world in sustainable gambling. Our companies have shown that commercial success and social responsibility go hand in hand. We’ll continue to invest in messaging, training, research, and innovative tools that improve player protection and raise industry standards,” the CEOs said.
Read more: EGBA: Responsible gambling focus increased in 2024
