EL calls for consumer protection and clear guidelines on digital developments in the gambling and gaming sector

The rapid growth of technologies for digital transformation such as artificial intelligence (AI) and new forms of (online) entertainment like e-sports and videogames are important developments.

A legislative framework on AI and an own-initiative report of the European Parliament related to e-sports and videogaming and consumer protection are being prepared by the EU institutions. Although these developments can be used to enhance player experience in exciting ways, they should come with responsibilities says the European Lotteries (EL). EL welcomes a number of provisions foreseen in the Digital Services Act (DSA), namely on content moderation and notice-and-action rules, which will be of use in the fight against illegal and irresponsible online gambling and gaming offerings. EL emphasised during a special event in the European Parliament (22 June) the need for consumer protection and clear guidelines in the further development of these dossiers that are close to the heart of the lottery sector. EL calls on EU policymakers to sustain the current successful model of national lotteries is Europe, support national gambling policies through the principle of subsidiarity and safeguard the benefits of national lotteries for society. The EU Court of Justice clearly confirmed on several occasions that restrictions in the gambling sector are justified for reasons of public order, public security, public health, or the overriding reasons in the public interest, such as consumer protection, combating fraud, crime or squandering of money.