First Pan-European agreement to consumer protection for online players released

CEN is the European Committee for Standardization, one of three European Standardization Organizations officially recognized by the EU (www.cen.eu). The agreement defines 9 policy objectives for the protection of online players and 134 concrete measures to ensure that those objectives are actually met. The 9 policy objectives are:

1.    The protection of vulnerable customers

2.    The prevention of underage gambling

3.    Combating fraud

4.    Protection of privacy

5.    Fair gaming

6.    Accurate customer payments

7.    Responsible marketing

8.    Customer satisfaction

9.    Safe operating environment

The agreement is unique not only because of its comprehensive scope, but also because it is the result of 7 months of discussion between a wide ranging group of stakeholders, including experts on problem gambling, players, industry representatives and addiction and criminology academics.  This self-regulatory agreement does not replace but rather complement national and EU regulation covering online gambling.

“I am confident that the CEN agreement will help and inform the many Member States currently regulating the market to achieve a high level of consumer protection. It will also provide invaluable input for the Commission’s upcoming Green Paper consultation on online gambling and the follow up measures that are needed to ensure consumers can play in a EU regulated environment," Sigrid Ligné, Secretary General of the EGBA, said.

Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive of RGA, added: “This agreement is not limited by national boundaries but will ensure protection for players across Europe. We are grateful to CEN for providing this opportunity and allowing a uniquely diverse group of stakeholders to reach agreement. It will help set the standard for consumer protection not only in the EU, but across the world.”