European Standard on Gambling Harm Signals
The EGBA supports the new EN 18144 standard as a voluntary basis for identifying risky gambling behaviors in Europe.
The main online gaming operators in Europe are supporting the new standard from the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) on gambling harm signals, published on May 31, 2026. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and its members have adopted the EN 18144 standard as a crucial voluntary base for identifying risky gambling behaviors. EGBA members commit to aligning their player protection frameworks with this standard across the continent.
Risk Signals within the EN 18144 Standard
The standard establishes a solid foundation for consumer protection in Europe by identifying nine key signals that operators can use to recognize risky gambling patterns before they escalate. These signals include changes in the volume or frequency of bets, speed or intensity of play, frequency or size of deposits, canceled withdrawals, player-initiated contact, session duration, use of multiple products, net losses or losing trajectory over time, and changes in safety tools such as limits and self-exclusion.
EGBA’s Involvement in Standard Development
The EGBA proposed this initiative to CEN in 2022 and actively participated in its development alongside operators, national authorities, academics, and other stakeholders in harm prevention. The standard, the first of its kind in the gambling industry, is based on the latest research and received overwhelming approval from national standardization bodies in October 2025. “This is a significant milestone for player protection in Europe,” stated Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA.
Commitment of the EGBA and Its Members
EGBA members are already implementing the standard in Europe, monitoring the nine behavioral indicators and integrating them into their operations. They employ risk scoring models to continuously assess player behavior and flag emerging risk patterns. Haijer emphasized that “our members are ahead in implementation and are committed to aligning across all their European operations.”
Complementary Tool to Regulatory Frameworks
As a voluntary tool, the standard complements existing national regulatory frameworks in Europe. In some jurisdictions, certain indicators may not be applicable where they conflict with national legislation, and implementation will reflect the regulatory realities of each market. The EGBA will continue to support its members and the industry in implementing the standard in Europe.
The standard (EN 18144) is available for purchase through national standardization bodies in Europe.
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Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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