The European Casino Association (ECA) has introduced a five-year manifesto aimed at collaborating with and influencing the newly appointed European Commission.
The European Casino Association (ECA) described its manifesto as a “call to action” for EU institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to ensure the future success of Europe’s casino industry and its contribution to the broader European economy.
The manifesto underscores the industry’s commitment to combating illegal gambling activities, urging the Commission to assist member states in “reclaiming full control over all gambling services.”
The document highlights the commitment of the European Casino Association’s (ECA) 28 members, including casino associations and individual operators, to combat crime, safeguard consumers, and enhance competitiveness across the region.
The newly re-elected European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, officially took office on December 1, 2024. Von der Leyen secured her re-election with 370 votes in favor, while 282 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) opposed and 36 abstained.
The ECA expressed its intention to collaborate with EU policymakers in achieving the objectives set by the new Commission. Its manifesto is structured around three core pillars—support, protect, and promote—aimed at strengthening member states’ economies, ensuring consumer protection, and fostering economic growth.
Manifesto’s three pillars
The European Casino Association (ECA) emphasized its readiness to assist the European Union (EU) in maintaining a safe and well-regulated gaming environment. Key priorities outlined in its manifesto include tackling the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operators and their connections to criminal activities.
According to the ECA, Europe loses up to €10 billion annually in tax revenues to the black market, creating an unfair competitive landscape that disadvantages licensed operators. The manifesto urges European policymakers to help member states reclaim control over all gambling services, ensuring that laws, regulations, and protective measures can be effectively enforced.
In the area of protection, the ECA is committed to placing consumer well-being at the center of the European Commission’s agenda. This includes advocating for responsible gaming practices and ensuring safety and fairness across casino operations.
Regarding promotion, the ECA aims to drive economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local communities, and contributing to national and EU-wide GDP. Illegal gambling operators, the manifesto warns, deprive EU member states of more than €10 billion in tax revenues each year.
The ECA also called on the Commission to retain the Level 2 anti-money laundering (AML) risk classification for land-based casinos in its forthcoming review of the AML assessment model (SNRA). The Level 2 classification indicates a “medium risk level” for land-based casinos.
ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart commented on the manifesto, stating:
“This document reaffirms our dedication to supporting the EU and member states in maintaining a regulated and responsible land-based casino sector. We urge policymakers to collaborate with us in safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry against illegal operators while promoting economic growth and protecting consumers.”
The ECA’s members include prominent organizations such as Holland Casino, Casinos Austria, the Belgian Casino Federation, and Casino Cosmopol.
