Online gambling operators across Europe are preparing to align with a newly published industry standard that establishes a shared framework for identifying signs of gambling-related risk. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has endorsed EN 18144 and confirmed that its members will work toward implementing the standard throughout their European operations.
Published on 31 May 2026 through the national standardisation bodies of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), EN 18144 introduces a set of behavioural markers intended to help operators detect potential problems at an earlier stage. The framework represents the first European standard specifically dedicated to markers of harm in online gambling.
The initiative traces back to 2022, when EGBA proposed the development of a common European approach. The resulting standard was shaped through contributions from gambling operators, public authorities, academic experts and organisations involved in harm prevention. National standardisation bodies gave the framework overwhelming approval in October 2025.
Shared Criteria for Monitoring Player Behaviour
At the heart of EN 18144 are nine behavioural indicators that operators can use when assessing customer activity. The framework covers changes in wagering habits, shifts in the pace of gambling activity and patterns related to deposits.
The standard also highlights cancelled withdrawals, direct contact initiated by players, gambling session length, activity during certain periods of the day, participation across multiple gambling products, long-term loss patterns and modifications to safety measures such as spending limits or self-exclusion tools.
According to the framework, these markers should be evaluated collectively rather than individually. A single behavioural change does not automatically indicate harmful gambling behaviour. Instead, operators should assess how different indicators interact and evolve over time before determining whether intervention may be necessary.
Existing Practices Already Reflect New Standard
Many of the measures outlined in EN 18144 are already in use among EGBA member companies. The association said most members currently monitor all nine indicators, while several have integrated them across their entire operations.
EGBA said member companies are committed to aligning their player protection frameworks with the standard as implementation progresses.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said: “This is an important milestone for player protection in Europe. When widely adopted, this voluntary standard will lead to earlier identification of risky play and, ultimately, better protection for players. Our members are ahead of the curve on implementation – they are already applying many aspects of the standard and are committed to alignment across their European operations. We encourage other operators to adopt the standard and help raise the bar on player protection across Europe.”
Designed to Complement National Regulations
EN 18144 remains a voluntary framework and does not replace existing gambling legislation. Operators will apply the standard within the legal requirements of each market in which they operate.
EGBA noted that certain indicators may be used differently where national regulations impose specific restrictions. The association said the framework offers a common reference point for the sector while allowing flexibility for local compliance.
The standard is available through national standardisation bodies across Europe, marking the beginning of abroader industry effort to establish more consistent approaches to identifying and addressing gambling-related risk.
Source:
“European Standard On Markers Of Harm Now Published – EGBA Members Commit To Alignment”, egba.eu, Jun 1, 2026
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