The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is urging that the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) adopt its proposed markers of harm standards. CEN is the body charged with developing standards in the European Union.
Markers of harm are red flags that might indicate that someone has the potential to be a problem gambler. There are many such markers, and they include such things as patterns of activity, financial transactions, in-session patterns such as loss chasing and frequent conversations with customer service.
According to the EGBA, a reliable list of standardized harm markers is “essential.” EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer declared, “We urge national standardization bodies, gambling authorities, and other stakeholders to support this common-sense proposal to jointly develop a standard on markers of harm in Europe.”
He added, “A standard would be an essential element to help prevent risky and problem gambling behavior and support consumer protection. The process to develop the standard would bring together the knowledge and expertise of academics, researchers, harm prevention experts, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the common purpose of preventing gambling-related harm.”
CEN is polling members in the EU to determine if the proposal should be adopted. They have until the end of the month to vote. If it is approved, stakeholders such as casino operators, health experts and consumer groups would take part in developing the standards.
