The chief executives of eight of Europe’s most prominent online gambling companies have jointly called for a more balanced and sustainable regulatory framework, warning that current trends could jeopardize player safety and industry progress. Their message was delivered through a co-signed letter featured in the 2025 Sustainability Report published by European Gaming and Betting Association’s (EGBA) emphasizing the importance of regulation that is both stable and grounded in evidence.
The CEOs represent major operators including Entain, Evoke, FDJ United, Flutter, LeoVegas, Superbet and a couple of more. Collectively, these firms oversee 38 million customer accounts across 21 European nations. In the joint statement, they underline a shared philosophy: “safe players are sustainable players.” They argue that effective regulation not only protects consumers but also ensures long-term industry health by maintaining compliance and competitiveness. However, the executives caution that this critical equilibrium is now under threat.
Demonstrating Industry Commitment to Responsibility
According to the EGBA report, these companies are elevating industry standards by embedding safer gambling practices into their operations and generating tangible benefits for the wider public. This includes major investments in tools that support responsible gaming, alongside financial contributions to public services and European sports.
In 2024 alone, the companies paid €3.8 billion in taxes, helping fund essential services across Europe. Additionally, they supported approximately 62,000 jobs. Their commitment to player protection is further evident in the growing use of voluntary tools—used by 34% of players—and the distribution of a record 100 million messages designed to promote safer gaming behaviors.
Workforce training also remains a key area of focus. About 89% of employees at these companies completed specialized safer gambling training last year. Furthermore, the industry collectively invested €735 million into European sports, supporting everything from grassroots initiatives to professional competitions.
Unregulated Operators Pose Rising Threat
Despite these efforts, the CEOs warn that the growing influence of black market operators threatens the regulated ecosystem. These offshore entities, operating outside the scope of European regulations, often offer generous bonuses and unrestricted access, specifically targeting vulnerable users. They do not adhere to the same safety protocols, fail to pay taxes, and contribute nothing to local communities or sports organizations.
As the letter explains, overregulation can unintentionally drive players toward these illicit platforms. The Netherlands offers a stark example. New spending restrictions introduced in 2024 led to a sharp rise in black market activity, with unregulated platforms quickly matching the revenues of their legal counterparts. In the UK, it is estimated that £2.7 billion is wagered annually on black market sites, resulting in £335 million in lost tax revenue.
A Coordinated Path to Safer Gambling
The CEOs are not advocating for deregulation but for a more thoughtful, data-driven approach. They urge policymakers to implement regulations that are grounded in behavioral research, aiming to draw players into the secure, regulated market rather than push them away.
They also call on European regulators to crack down on offshore operators undermining the regulated system and encourage industry stakeholders to partner exclusively with licensed, compliant firms.
A Vision for Sustainable Gambling in Europe
Despite the rising challenges posed by the black market, the industry leaders remain optimistic. They believe Europe is well-positioned to set a global standard for sustainable gambling. Their companies will continue to invest in training, research, and innovative solutions that prioritize player protection and elevate industry norms.
Still, they stress that lasting progress requires collaboration. “We need a stable, long-term vision for regulated markets – one built on evidence, consultation, and collaboration, rather than measures that end up putting players in harm’s way,” the letter warns.
The CEOs conclude by laying out a stark choice: Europe can either allow black market operators to erode the foundations of regulated gambling, or it can stand united to safeguard consumers and support those operators committed to building a responsible and sustainable future.
“We believe in the path of cooperation and are committed to building it further.”
Source:
‘’Joint CEO letter: Securing a More Sustainable Future for Regulated Gambling in Europe’’, egba.eu, July 10, 2025.
The post Industry Heads Highlight Need for Smarter Oversight first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.