EGBA passes the test on consumer-facing standards

The EGBA is a non-profit association established by eight of the leading online gaming operators in Europe including PartyGaming, Bwin Group, Unibet, Expekt and Interwetten Gaming Limited. It stated that 43 % of the standards applied by its private operators match those of the monopolies while 24 % exceeded them. The Brussels-based group revealed that only four % of its standards were deemed to be lower than those of the monopolies while the remaining guidelines could not be benchmarked either due to insufficient information or inapplicability.

The EGBA commissioned eCOGRA to carry out the study in May to equate some of Europe’s leading gambling monopolies against its own standards on consumer protection, security and social responsibility. It stated that the results provided the first ever fact-based and comparative assessment of the practices in place at both private sector operators as well as those of government-controlled monopolies.

“This study shows us that there are lessons to be learned by both the monopolies and the private sector,” said Sigrid Ligne, Secretary General for the EGBA.

“However, it also clearly dismisses the argument that private sector companies are failing to provide consumers with similar levels of protection and responsible gaming practices. In fact, the evidence shows that it is the private sector that is leading the field in this important area and results are a testament to the major commitment and strong leadership of EGBA operators towards developing a comprehensive and consistent package of responsible gaming practices.”