The ECA’s Bold 2025 Manifesto: Can It Revolutionize European Gambling?
A Unified Vision for European Casinos
The European Casino Association (ECA) has launched its 2025 manifesto, outlining a strategic approach to strengthen Europe’s casino industry. This initiative calls for collaboration with EU institutions to address challenges such as illegal gambling while promoting a competitive and responsible gaming environment.
The Three Pillars of the Manifesto
The ECA’s manifesto is built on three key principles:
- Support: Advocating for policies that ensure a safe, regulated gaming environment.
- Protect: Emphasizing consumer safety through responsible gaming initiatives and fair practices.
- Promote: Showcasing the economic impact of licensed operators in creating jobs, supporting communities, and contributing to GDP.
Combating Illegal Gambling
Illegal gambling is a growing concern, with unlicensed operators generating €32 billion annually in online gaming revenue. This activity undermines licensed operators and puts consumers at risk. The ECA urges stricter enforcement of anti-money laundering (AML) measures and regulatory consistency to counteract these threats.
Economic Impact and Fair Competition
Licensed casinos are integral to Europe’s economy, creating jobs and supporting local communities. However, disparities in taxation and regulations place these establishments at a disadvantage compared to illegal operators. The ECA’s manifesto advocates for equitable policies to foster sustainable industry growth.
Building a Sustainable Future
As the EU rolls out its 2024-2029 agenda, the ECA’s manifesto provides a blueprint for aligning industry practices with regulatory frameworks. Through collaboration with EU policymakers, the association aims to create a secure and fair gambling landscape that benefits both consumers and operators.
Europe's licensed casinos need unified regulation and enforcement—or illegal operators keep winning at their expense.
We're watching a pivotal moment: thirty-two billion euros flowing to unlicensed operators annually. That's not just money—it's regulatory fragmentation playing kingmaker. The ECA's manifesto signals what licensed operators need from Brussels, and we're positioned to help clients navigate this shift across every regulated market we touch.
- Illegal gaming generates €32B annually online; unlicensed operators exploit regulatory gaps licensed casinos can't
- ECA pushes three pillars: support regulated frameworks, protect consumers via responsible gaming, promote licensed operators' economic value
- Tax and regulatory disparities across EU create uneven playing field; manifesto calls for equitable policies and AML enforcement
SCCG angle: We track this stuff live across 150+ partners in every regulated market. When the ECA moves on Brussels, we help our clients decode what it means for their licenses, their competitive position, and how to engage EU policymakers who actually listen. That's where our network pays.
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