EGBA’s Haijer welcomes Kindred report but argues industry must do more Share
Maarten Haijer of the
European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has warned that the industry must learn its lessons and adapt as it comes under increasing public scrutiny. Kindred Group’s move to make public the shares of its revenues made from customers at a high-risk of gambling harm.
Kindred’s report found that during the fourth quarter of 2020 trading, 4.3% of gross winnings were made from players categorised as ‘high risk’.
The online gambling group has confirmed that it will release its new transparency matric as part of its safer gambling policy, as it seeks to achieve 0% of revenue from customers suffering from problem gambling by 2023.
JDigital and media association AMI appeal Spanish ad restrictions
19th January 2021
| By Daniel O Boyle
Spanish operator association JDigital and media association la Asociación de Medios e Información (AMI) have both submitted appeals to the country’s Supreme Court, challenging the controversial advertising regulations that were brought in last year.
Last year, Spain introduced a series of tight restrictions on advertising gambling. In February, gambling advertising on radio and television was limited to between the hours of 1:00AM and 5:00AM. Additional restrictions on online and direct advertising were then put in place in April, initially on a temporary basis before being put in the permanent regulations put before the European Commission.
Veikkaus: Slot ID controls will cut player losses by €300m
11th January 2021
| By Daniel O Boyle
Finnish gambling monopoly Veikkaus will customers to verify their identity to play its slots as of tomorrow (12 January), part of a series of player protection measures which the operator expects to cut player losses by up to €300m.
Under the new system, players must use a virtual identification card available on their phone, to log in before gambling.
The operator said that this will have “significant financial consequences,” anticipating a decline in player losses of around €300m from this and other player protection measures.
Veikkaus’ sales director Jari Heino said the change would make it easier for players to stay in control of their gambling.
Mobile betting will drive continuing growth in major European markets as well as emerging ones.
The European Gaming and Betting Association EGBA indicates betting revenues in Europe dropped 23% drop for 2020.
Total GGR Drop
Data totals published in collaboration with H2 Gambling Capital indicate that Europe’s total gambling revenue will drop from €98.6 billion gross gaming revenue in 2019 to €75.9 billion in 2020.
EGBA Leader Stays Positive
EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer put a brave face on all efforts with an evidence-based message of hope:
“We commend our members’ efforts in support of safer gambling and their significant investments in European sports. Like many other sectors, Europe’s gambling sector has taken a hit from COVID-19 this year but the growth trend of online continues to be strong.”
Online gambling will take a higher share of Europe’s gambling market revenue this year but will not compensate for major land-based declines, as total market revenue plummets due to COVID-19.
Brussels, Today – Europe’s total gambling revenue will drop 23% this year – from €98.6bn gross gaming revenue (GGR[1]) in 2019 to €75.9bn in 2020 – as the gambling sector feels the impact of COVID-19, according to new data published by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital.
The data, covering EU-27 and UK markets, forecasts Europe’s online gambling revenue to increase by 7% this year – from €24.5bn GGR in 2019 to €26.3bn in 2020 – despite a significant drop in online revenue during Q2 as a result of the cancellation of major European sports. However, this will not compensate for Europe’s major land-based declines, with land-based gambling revenue expected to drop by 33% this year – from €74.1bn GGR in 2019 t