The European Casino Association publishes its visionary Manifesto for EU policymakers
On 1st December 2024, a new European Commission started its mandate 2024-2029, with a series of ambitious goals set for the next five years, including supporting European people and businesses. In this context, the European Casino Association (ECA) proudly announces the publication of its new Manifesto, outlining the pledge of its members, representing the licensed, land-based casino industry in Europe to fight crime, protect consumers, and support the European Union (EU) competitiveness.
This visionary document outlines the ECA’s dedication to supporting the EU policymakers in implementing the goals proclaimed by the new EU Commission, protecting the member states economies, safeguarding consumer well-being, and championing economic growth. The Manifesto is founded on three pillars that underscore the association’s priorities for the next five years:
- Support: The ECA stands ready to assist the EU in ensuring a safe and well-regulated gaming environment. Together with European policymakers, the ECA aims to address the rising threat of illegal gambling operators and their links to criminal activities.
- Protect: Ensuring the well-being of European consumers remains central to the ECA's mission. Through adherence to strict regulatory frameworks and collaborative dialogues with EU Member States and relevant authorities, the ECA promotes responsible gaming as well as safety and fairness in all casino operations while at the same time combating illegal operators and mitigating the risks they pose to the industry and society.
- Promote: The ECA’s members actively drive economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local communities, and contributing to national and EU-wide GDP. On the other hand, illegal operators deprive EU Member States of more than €10 billion in tax revenues annually. The ECA advocates for a fair regulatory and financial framework to ensure the sustained competitiveness of legal land-based and online casino operations.
Speaking about the Manifesto, ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart stated, “This document reflects our commitment to supporting the EU and Member States’ efforts to uphold a regulated and responsible land-based casino sector. We call on policymakers to collaborate with us in safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry against illegal operators while fostering economic growth and protecting consumers.”
The publication of the Manifesto underscores the ECA’s dedication to advancing responsible gaming standards, tackling illegal gambling, and creating an even playing field for the legal and regulated casino industry. It serves as a call to action for EU institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to ensure the future success of Europe’s casino sector for the success of the overall European economy.
The full text of the Manifesto is available here.