The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has unveiled its fifth annual sustainability report, showing remarkable progress in both the financial and social aspects of the gambling industry. In 2024, EGBA members collectively contributed €3.8 billion in taxes to European economies, providing vital support for public services and community initiatives. The report also sheds light on the industry’s commitment to promoting safer gambling, with record-breaking efforts in player protection and responsible gambling practices.

Impressive financial contributions to European society:

One of the standout figures in the report is the €3.8 billion in taxes that EGBA members contributed to European economies in 2024. This substantial contribution supports various national budgets and public services across the European Union and the United Kingdom. The gambling industry’s positive financial impact also extends to the sports sector, where €735 million was invested through sponsorships, fees, and streaming rights payments, with streaming rights accounting for 62% of the total amount.

The industry’s commitment to community support is further reflected in the €156.8 million donated to charitable causes and community initiatives, marking a 4% increase compared to the previous year. EGBA members continue to demonstrate that they are not only driving economic growth but are also dedicated to giving back to the communities in which they operate.

In terms of safer gambling, EGBA members achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by sending 100 million safety messages to customers, marking a 48% increase compared to the previous year. The success of personalized messages stood out in particular, with 28% of these communications tailored to individual player behavior. Personalized safety alerts had a positive impact on 42–46% of customers who displayed high-risk behaviors, either helping them adjust their gambling patterns or maintain responsible play. Furthermore, 21% of these customers responded by activating or enhancing their use of safety tools.

The use of safety tools across EGBA’s membership also hit a record high in 2024, with 69% of customers (26.7 million players) using some form of tool to protect themselves. Notably, half of these players voluntarily opted into using these tools, showcasing the growing willingness of customers to take responsibility for their gambling habits. Among these tools, deposit limits were the most popular, with 65% of voluntary users employing this feature to manage their spending.

Maarten Haijer, EGBA’s Secretary General, stated in the press release, “We’re especially encouraged by the success of personalised safety messages, which our report shows to be positively impacting between 42% to 46% of customers showing high-risk behaviours. That’s genuinely meaningful progress that builds trust and helps raise standards across the wider industry.”

Investments in education and treatment services:

EGBA members have also made significant contributions to the fight against gambling harm. In 2024, €148.9 million was allocated to research, education, and treatment (RET) services aimed at preventing gambling-related harm, bringing the total RET contributions over the last five years to €290 million. This increased funding reflects the industry’s growing commitment to supporting prevention and recovery efforts, ensuring that players receive the necessary support when needed.

Additionally, 89% of all employees across EGBA’s land-based and online operations underwent safer gambling training, representing more than 55,000 individuals. This focus on staff education underscores the importance of a well-trained workforce capable of fostering a safer gambling environment for all customers.

While the report highlights substantial achievements, EGBA is calling for stronger regulatory support and enforcement, particularly in relation to unregulated operators. Haijer emphasized, “Sustaining these achievements requires stable and supportive regulatory frameworks and stronger enforcement against black market operators based outside Europe, who threaten the safety of European citizens and contribute nothing to our societies.”

EGBA’s members are already making significant investments in the industry, but to ensure long-term sustainability, the association is urging policymakers to create a clear and stable regulatory environment that can support continued growth and safety.

The 2024 sustainability report also includes encouraging figures regarding customer demographics. EGBA members now serve 38.6 million customer accounts, a 19% increase from the previous year. The gender distribution among customers slightly shifted, with 75% male and 25% female, down from 28% female customers in 2023. In terms of employment, EGBA’s members employ 62,698 individuals, with a gender split of 57% male and 43% female, demonstrating a continued commitment to diversity in the workforce.

EGBA’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through its environmental initiatives. The industry’s total energy consumption decreased by 11%, with 78% of energy sourced from renewable sources, an increase from 64% in 2023. This progress shows that EGBA members are not only focused on their economic and social contributions but are also working towards reducing their environmental footprint.