As European countries tighten gambling laws, EGBA calls for cross-border cooperation

As European countries tighten gambling laws, such as advertising rules in the Netherlands, the European Gaming and Betting Association  (EGBA) secretary general, Maarten Haijer is calling on companies for cross-border collaboration with associations so that the industry is better represented.

He also called for close collaboration towards a “stronger culture of responsibility and cooperation so that the industry is better organised and represented”.

Mr Haijer singled out the “many operators” that sit on the periphery of the gambling industry, that “contribute to the representation of the sector, and choose not to participate to trade associations like EGBA.”

He stressed that responsibility requires commitment and resources, providing concrete tips on how companies can better engage with their sector and society at large, thereby creating a win-win situation for all, thanks to a little effort:

“Become a member of a trade association if you aren’t already. Invest in relationships with wider stakeholders and our critics.

“Help develop local industry codes of conduct and apply these. Meet regularly with the political and regulatory leaderships to identify issues and find solutions.

“Be open, honest, and transparent about your activities. Invest in strengthening the industry voice.”

He pointed out how many of the challenges faced by the gambling industry are “common and cross-border in nature and that is why greater cooperation between companies and associations is so important”.

“Enhanced cooperation, particularly around safer gambling, can help industry actors to share information, learnings, and best practices about self-regulatory initiatives that work well, and those that don’t, and create a more supportive ecosystem to amplify the industry voice.”