PartyGaming Signs up to European Gaming & Betting Association

2007 April 03, Jonny Vincent

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) was launched in Brussels this week, replacing the European Betting Association (EBA).

The EGBA has been launched with some big names participating, including online gambling giants PartyGaming, Unibet, Interwetten, Expekt, Carmen Media Group, BWin and Bet-at-Home.

The EGBA plans to be a strong voice in the European debates regarding the rights of regulated European-licensed operators to offer their services unrestricted throughout Europe. They are launched on a wave of optimism, following the recent European Court of Justice decision on the Plancania case in Italy, where the ECJ ruled that a bookmaker licensed in Britain should be allowed to offer their services in other EU countries without needing supplementary licenses.

The EGBA wants to bring a level of responsibility and legitimacy to online gambling operations, ensuring a high standard of consumer protection as well as being aware of protecting minors and problem gamblers.

The participating online gambling operators have all agreed to abide by a strict Code of Conduct listing "a common set of strict rules enforcing socially responsible internet gaming and betting". These standards, audited by specialized external bodies, supplement each member's national licensing requirements imposed by its home European regulator.

EGBA aims at continuing a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders including regulators, EU and national authorities, state operators and consumers. Sigrid Ligné, the new Secretary General of EGBA, commented: "It's time now that all stakeholders put on the table their real concerns and expectations. EGBA has a strong commitment to lead the way to a regulated and transparent European market for the benefit of consumer choice and protection."