EL is the umbrella organisation of national lotteries operating games of chance
The European Lotteries association (EL) is the European umbrella organisation of national lotteries operating games of chance, including sports betting. The members of EL are operating their services for the public benefit.
EL is the largest and most representative lottery and gambling sector’s organization in Europe, present in 39 European countries with a total of 70 members, including all EU member states (50 members are in the EU and 20 non-EU member states). EL stands for the sound and sustainable activity model for the benefit of society, based on the values of forward-thinking, sustainability and integrity.
Forward thinking
EL and its members are assertive and ambitious. They actively foster innovation, creativity and development. They anticipate on trends, share visions and discover new ways. They see opportunities and introduce changes. Their initiatives bring fresh perspectives, marked by change, adaptability and improvement. EL and it's members are committed to learn and grow.
Sustainability
EL and its members are a diverse community that aims to make their positive social impact bigger and more far reaching. Their common heritage of responsible games for public good is their core, and they understand sustainability comprehensively. They promote diversity, embrace equality, operate transparently and visibly enact environmentally friendly practices. EL and its members share sustainability know-how, while actively engaging their stakeholders
Integrity
EL and it's members promote clarity – in messages, activities, operations and intentions. Collectively, they raise standards in the field and adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of unethical practices. They strictly enact compliance and respect legal frameworks. Through awareness raising and advocacy work with governments and regulators, they strive towards greater public safety. In their actions and communication, they are reliable, honest, truthful and transparent. EL and it's members treat internal and external stakeholders fairly and equitably.
Our History
Lotteries are part of strong and longstanding national traditions and heritage. The first modern lottery game was organised in 1441 in Bruges (now Belgium). The oldest continously running lottery game in the world is the Dutch Staatsloterij, organised for the first time in 1726. Today the Staatsloterij is organized by EL's member Nederlandse Loterij. The European State Lotteries and Toto Association was created in 1983 in Switzerland. In 1999, the name The European Lotteries (EL) was adopted. EL is currently headquartered in Brussel, Belgium. A branch office of EL is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Our Governance
EL is governed by a General Assembly composed of all (regular) EL members. EL's work is managed by it's Executive Committee, including the President, two Vice-Presidents and the Secretary General and his team. Several working bodies are involved in the statutory tasks of EL. The main statutory tasks of EL are to advocate the interests of it's members as well as to offer a platform for education and training.
EL will deliver outstanding services that understand and illuminate the times and future challenges of lottery sector. It will help its members implement the highest standards of safe entertainment, lead the sustainability transition and proactively facilitate innovation.
Our Members
EL represents both state-owned and private operators offering lottery and betting services off-and-online. EL members only operate in the jurisdictions in which they are licensed by the respective national governments and where they pay all taxes and comply with the legal requirements (anti-money laundering, responsible gaming policies etc). EL members contribute to state budgets and the funding of sport, culture, social projects, research, and other causes of general interest.
