EGBA Calls for Alignment of the EU Digital Fairness Act Proposal

The European Commission published its Consumer Package yesterday. The package includes a proposal for a Digital Fairness Act (DFA), a Simplification Directive, and a revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation.

EGBA supports the objectives of consumer protection, protection of minors, prevention of misleading commercial practices, and greater transparency in the digital environment. According to the association, these objectives overlap with the long-term commitments of the regulated online gambling sector on responsible advertising and player protection. Online gambling is already subject to extensive national legislation on advertising, consumer protection, age verification, prevention of gambling by minors, and safer gambling measures. Association members also maintain practices that go beyond pan-European self-regulatory initiatives such as the Code of Conduct on Responsible Advertising and the Responsible Influencer Marketing Commitment.

EGBA wants the new EU rules to be consistent with national gambling frameworks, the Digital Services Act (DSA), and existing consumer protection rules. According to the association, new regulations should be proportionate, address clearly identified gaps, and avoid creating unnecessary duplication, conflicting obligations, and legal uncertainty. The association also states that illegal gambling websites disregard player protection standards and expose consumers to serious risks. It therefore calls for cross-border cooperation, cooperation with online platforms and payment service providers, and effective measures against illegal services.

EGBA has said that it will examine the proposals in detail and will work constructively with the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission throughout the legislative process. The association's members operate in 22 European countries. They hold more than 400 online gambling licences and account for approximately one third of the gross gaming revenue of regulated online gambling in Europe.