The European Lotteries (EL) has recently published its Manifesto, highlighting the indispensable role of lotteries in European society. As the new European Parliament and the European Commission prepare for appointment later this year, EL underscores the significance of preserving the unique model of national lotteries and ensuring their continued contribution to public welfare.
European Lotteries Manifesto
Historical Significance of Lotteries
Since the inception of the first lottery in Bruges in 1441, lotteries have played a pivotal role in generating public funds and supporting societal benefits across all EU Member States. The Manifesto acknowledges this rich historical background, emphasizing that lotteries contribute approximately €22bn ($23.81bn) annually to European society.
Preservation of the Unique Model
EL calls upon EU policymakers to safeguard the unique model of national lotteries, recognizing their cultural and societal value. This entails reaffirming the historical and traditional principles of lotteries, which have long been integral to the social fabric of Europe.
Combatting Illegal Gambling Operations
In addition to advocating for the preservation of national lotteries, EL stresses the importance of distinguishing legal from illegal gambling operators. The Manifesto supports initiatives such as the Digital Services Act, which proposes the concept of trusted flaggers to combat illegal online content effectively.
Maintaining Regulatory Flexibility
EL advocates for maintaining the current approach of exempting the gambling sector from specific EU legislation. This approach allows Member States to address local needs effectively and ensures high levels of consumer protection in the gambling industry, both online and offline.
Responsible Advertising Practices
The Manifesto promotes a risk-based approach to advertising, where stricter regulations apply to high-risk games compared to low-risk lottery games. This approach aims to ensure responsible consumer channelling towards legal and safe gambling offerings.
Consideration of Unique Characteristics in Taxonomy Discussions
Finally, EL insists that any future EU discussions on environmental and social taxonomy must consider the unique characteristics of lotteries. This consideration is crucial to avoid harming the collaboration between lotteries and investors and insurers.
Conclusion: The Manifesto
The European Lotteries Manifesto serves as a comprehensive call to action for EU policymakers to recognize and preserve the vital role of lotteries in European society. By safeguarding the unique model of national lotteries, combatting illegal gambling operations, maintaining regulatory flexibility, promoting responsible advertising practices, and considering the unique characteristics of lotteries in taxonomy discussions, policymakers can ensure the continued contribution of lotteries to public welfare.
FAQs About European Lotteries Manifesto
1. What is the European Lotteries Manifesto?
The European Lotteries Manifesto is a document published by the European Lotteries (EL), highlighting the significant role of lotteries in European society and advocating for their preservation and continued contribution to public welfare.
2. What historical background is mentioned regarding lotteries in the Manifesto?
The Manifesto acknowledges the historical significance of lotteries, tracing back to the inception of the first lottery in Bruges in 1441. It emphasizes the role of lotteries in generating public funds and supporting societal benefits across all EU Member States.
3. What does EL call upon EU policymakers to do regarding national lotteries?
EL calls upon EU policymakers to safeguard the unique model of national lotteries, recognizing their cultural and societal value. This includes reaffirming the historical and traditional principles of lotteries.
4. How does EL propose to combat illegal gambling operations?
EL stresses the importance of distinguishing legal from illegal gambling operators and supports initiatives such as the Digital Services Act, which proposes the concept of trusted flaggers to combat illegal online content effectively.
5. What approach does EL advocate for in terms of regulatory flexibility?
EL advocates for maintaining the current approach of exempting the gambling sector from specific EU legislation. This allows Member States to address local needs effectively and ensures high levels of consumer protection in the gambling industry, both online and offline.
6. What is the proposed approach to advertising promoted by the Manifesto?
The Manifesto promotes a risk-based approach to advertising, where stricter regulations apply to high-risk games compared to low-risk lottery games. This aims to ensure responsible consumer channelling towards legal and safe gambling offerings.
7. Why does EL insist on considering the unique characteristics of lotteries in taxonomy discussions?
EL insists on considering the unique characteristics of lotteries in taxonomy discussions to avoid harming the collaboration between lotteries and investors and insurers, ensuring their continued contribution to public welfare.
8. What is the overarching goal of the European Lotteries Manifesto?
The overarching goal of the European Lotteries Manifesto is to ensure the continued contribution of lotteries to public welfare by advocating for their preservation, combatting illegal gambling operations, maintaining regulatory flexibility, promoting responsible advertising practices, and considering their unique characteristics in taxonomy discussions.
