European Casino Association Releases 2025–2029 Manifesto to Counter Illegal Gambling and Support EU Policy Objectives

The European Casino Association has introduced an ambitious manifesto for 2025–2029 that outlines the association’s commitments to combating illegal gambling and supporting anti-money laundering. The manifesto also documents their pledging efforts to improving the protection of consumers, as well as supporting the EU policy objectives.

Illegal Gambling Is a Growing Menace

Illegal gambling activity generates an estimated total of €42 billion annually across the European Union. This digit includes an estimation of €32 billion from online operations and a further €10 billion from unregulated land-based gaming.

Thanks to these unlawful operations,  EU governments lose out on more than €10 billion in tax revenues yearly. But losing money is not the biggest problem: player safety is.  Illegal gambling also has a negative effect on consumers and the regulatory compliance that the EU countries and markets want to set.

Here is what ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart had to share regarding the urgency of addressing these challenges.

“This paper demonstrates our dedication to the development and growth of a responsible and regulated land-based casinos industry in the EU and member states. We urge all policy makers to work together with us to protect the integrity of the gaming sector from illegal operators, while contributing to economic growth and ensuring consumer protection.”

Three Pillars of the Manifesto

The Manifesto of the ECA is based on three basic principles: Support, Protect, and Promote. Hence, the paper delineates the required help for EU policy-makers in establishing a secure, well-regulated environment where licensed gambling could take place.

Next, the paper also relies on creating better enforcements against illegal, unlicensed operators. This is meant to help protect the players.

And finally, the third pillar is to promote the licensed casino sector by highlighting the economic values that such a sector could bring.

Moreover, the paper calls for cooperation with EU lawmakers which could enhance AML legislation.

It backs the introduction of the EU’s Digital Services Act to help limit illegal gambling advertising on online platforms.

Aside from regulatory benefits, the ECA’s manifesto also shows the huge economic impact that a fully licensed casino industry could have.

Licensed casinos in Europe employ thousands of people, but they also have notable contributions to some member states’ GDP. There’s also proof of boosting local economies through tourism and cultural development programs.

Calling to Action All Partners

In November 2024, the ECA announced strategic supplier partnerships with four major game developers: Aristocrat Gaming, IGT, Light & Wonder, and Novomatic.

The aim of creating these partnerships is to push and promote responsible practices, boost security, and ultimately, further improve industry standards.

Who does the manifesto call on? For starters, the policymakers, but also industry stakeholders and regulators. They all have to work together to think of solutions to the problems that illegal gambling creates.

Moreover, at the same time, they must ensure that the licensed casino sector in Europe remains sustainable and keeps growing in the future.

With the European Union’s continued opening of new frontiers in the landscape of gambling, the ECA has remained firm in its commitments to consumer protection, protection of economic interests, and the fostering of a transparent and responsible gaming environment.

The full text of the Manifesto 2025-2029 can be found here.