The 2024 Sustainability report from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is out. The document showed important advances and challenges that still need to be overcome by the online betting sector.
The highlight was the record 21 million customers using security tools in 2023. However, there was also the growth of the illegal online betting market. This is a point that raises a lot of concern and requires decisive action from regulatory bodies.
Increased security tools for online betting
According to the report:
- More than 65% of EGBA member customers used security tools in 2023. So a 14% increase from the previous year.
- Bettors sent 67.6 million messages about safe gambling. So, compared to the previous year, there was an increase of 49%.
- Of these messages, 23 million were personalized based on player behavior
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA, commented: “We are pleased to publish our latest sustainability report, highlighting our members’ significant progress in many areas of safer online betting.”
Haijer highlighted that these results demonstrate a solid commitment to responsible gaming practices.
The EGBA Sustainability Report for 2024 includes several key highlights:
- Use of Security Tools: 70% of customers used deposit limits voluntarily.
- Safe Gaming Promotion: 70% of personalized messages were delivered via pop-ups, and 25% via email.
- Employee Training: 80% of over 45,000 employees received training on safer online betting.
- Proven Improvement: 65% of customers with potentially problematic gaming behaviors improved or stabilized their gaming after receiving safety messages.
Challenges and concerns
The report also includes a joint letter from the CEOs of leading companies in the online betting sector, addressing concerns about the illegal online betting market.
Executives, including bet365‘s John Coates and Flutter Entertainment‘s Peter Jackson, warned that the growth of the gray market highlights the urgent need for more effective regulation.
Thus, the letter highlights that the lack of basic regulation in many countries contributes to the growth of this illegal market. “We urge national policymakers to create regulatory frameworks that balance robust consumer protections with a competitive and innovative environment.”
The report also reveals the social and environmental impact of EGBA members. They invested €61.2 million in researching and addressing issues related to online gambling and donated €151.4 million to charities and community initiatives. Furthermore, 71.8% of energy consumption in operations came from renewable sources.
The EGBA 2024 Sustainability Report reflects both the significant progress in safer online betting and the persistent challenges posed by the illegal market.
Therefore, the data shows that there is a need for effective and balanced regulation. The main objective has to be the protection of players and the promotion of a responsible and sustainable betting environment.