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Interview 17 Jan 2025

Public benefit before profit: Safeguarding the European Lottery model

In the recent edition of The Parliament Magazine (January 2025) EL President Romana Girandon highlights the importance of safeguarding the European Lottery Model.

In addition, EL's Legal Advisor Philippe Valemminck puts the spotlight on digital responsibility and the protection of minors as a top priority ahead of an important EL event in the European Parliament.

''The European lottery model is much more than a game of chance – it’s a shared societal value worth preserving'.'

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In a recent opinion piece, Romana Girandon, EL President emphasises the societal value of national lotteries in Europe. Tracing back to 1441 in Bruges, Belgium, national lotteries continue to generate funds for public benefit through safe and enjoyable games of chance. Today, they contribute approximately €22 billion annually to various sectors, including sports, cultural heritage, art, healthcare, and education.

Girandon underscores the importacne of preserving this unique lottery model, highlighting initiatives such as seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition and outlining key priorities in the EL Manifesto. Central to these efforts is a call for EU decision-makers to reaffirm and safeguard the vital societal role of national lotteries across Member States, acknowledging their cultural heritage and commitment to public benefit.

A critical aspect of this model is the unwavering commitment to responsible gaming. EL was the first games of chance Association globally to introduce mandatory Responsible Gaming Standards, with all members now certified. This ensures that games remain entertaining without causing harm, marketing promotes lower-risk options, and vulnerable groups, especially minors, are protected.

Girandon concludes by urging policymakers to prioritise public benefit over profit, advocating for market regulations that promote socially responsible approaches to lotteries and gambling. She emphasises that member states should ensure operators direct substantial income toward the public good, promote lower-risk games, protect vulnerable groups, and limit the number of operators with clear selection criteria.

Public benefit before profit: Safeguarding the European Lottery model

Opinion Piece by Romana Girandon, President of EL

Philippe Vlaemminck

Philippe Vlaemminck, a lawyer and member of Brussels bar specialising in EU law, emphasises in a second Opinion Piece the critical importance of protecting minors in the digital realm, particularly within the lottery and gambling sector. 

Vlaemminck highlights that national lotteries, deeply rooted in historical traditions and social responsibility, prioritise consumer protection and societal benefits, setting them apart from private gambling operators.

He underscores the importance of implementing stringent measures to prevent underage participation in gaming activities, including advanced age verification technologies, vigilant monitoring of online platforms for compliance, and ensuring that marketing practices do not target or appeal to minors.

Vlaemminck asserts that safeguarding minors online is a collective responsibility, with collaboration among policymakers, regulators, and society to establish a comprehensive framework that protects minors in the digital sphere. This includes updating legal instruments, enhancing cooperation, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with online gambling, especially for minors.

EL and its Members advocate for robust age verification systems, responsible advertising practices, and educational campaigns to shield minors from potential harms linked to online gambling. By prioritising these measures, Vlaemminck believes we can cultivate a culture of digital responsibility, ensuring that the online environment remains a safe space for all, particularly the younger generation.

Digital Responsibility: Protecting Minors Online

Opinion Piece by Philippe Vlaemminck, lawyer and member of Brussels bar specialising in EU law