The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has recently published its Sustainability Report 2024, revealing a significant uptick in the use of safer gambling tools across Europe. This comprehensive report underscores the association’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices, with 65% of European customers now leveraging these tools to manage their gambling habits effectively. This figure represents a record 21 million customers, half of whom use these tools voluntarily—a clear testament to the growing awareness and acceptance of responsible gambling strategies.
EGBA’s Sustainability Report 2024: Record-Breaking Adoption of Safer Gambling Tools
Rising Adoption of Safer Gambling Tools
According to the EGBA’s latest report, there has been a 14% year-on-year increase in the use of safer gambling tools. Deposit limits have emerged as the most popular feature, with 70% of voluntary users setting these limits to control their spending. This proactive approach by customers highlights the effectiveness of the EGBA’s initiatives in encouraging responsible gambling.
Proactive Communication with Customers
The report also highlights a record number of communications sent by member operators to promote responsible gambling. 67.6 million messages were sent out, marking a 49% increase year-on-year. Of these, 23 million messages were personalized based on the customer’s gaming behavior, ensuring that the messages were relevant and impactful. Notably, 70% of these personalized messages were delivered via on-screen pop-ups, while another 25% were sent via email.
Training and Employee Engagement
The EGBA has also made significant strides in employee engagement and training. Approximately 45,000 employees (80% of the association’s members’ workforce) have received dedicated safer gambling training. This comprehensive training program ensures that employees are well-equipped to support and promote responsible gambling practices.
Impact on Potentially Problematic Play
The EGBA’s efforts have also led to positive outcomes for customers exhibiting potentially problematic gambling behavior. Following safety messages from operators, 65% of these customers improved or stabilized their play. Specifically, 45% improved their gambling habits, 10% stabilized their play, and another 10% refrained from playing altogether. Additionally, 32% of these customers voluntarily activated safety tools in response to the operators’ messages.
Customer Demographics and Market Trends
The total number of customers increased by 4% year-on-year to 32.5 million. There was a slight narrowing of the gender gap, with the share of female customers rising from 26% to 28%. The majority of customers (59%) were aged between 26 and 50, reflecting a broad demographic engagement with the industry.
Social Contributions and Community Initiatives
The EGBA also reported significant progress in social contributions. Since the previous report, members have allocated €61.2 million to problem gambling research, education, and treatment services. Additionally, €151.4 million was donated to charities and community initiatives, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to social responsibility.
Maintaining Gender Balance in the Workforce
The gaming industry has also succeeded in maintaining a fair gender balance among employees. Out of 58,633 employees in the European gaming sector, 57% were male and 43% were female. This balanced representation underscores the industry’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact
The industry’s energy consumption was reported at 253.4 GWh, with 71.8% sourced from renewable energy. This significant reliance on renewable sources highlights the sector’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 0.93 million tons CO2e, indicating the industry’s ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental footprint.
EGBA’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Commenting on the report, EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer expressed excitement about the multiple improvements and progress made. He emphasized that these advancements demonstrate the collective efforts to make gambling safer and more sustainable. The EGBA remains dedicated to driving further enhancements in responsible gambling practices and contributing positively to society and the environment.
FAQs About EGBA’s Sustainability Report 2024
1. What is the main focus of the EGBA’s Sustainability Report 2024?
The main focus of the EGBA’s Sustainability Report 2024 is the significant increase in the use of safer gambling tools across Europe and the association’s efforts to promote responsible gambling practices.
2. How many European customers are using safer gambling tools according to the report?
According to the report, 21 million European customers are using safer gambling tools, with 65% of all customers leveraging these tools to manage their gambling habits.
3. What is the most popular safer gambling tool mentioned in the report?
The most popular safer gambling tool is deposit limits, which 70% of voluntary users have set to control their spending.
4. How many messages did EGBA member operators send to promote responsible gambling?
EGBA member operators sent a record 67.6 million messages to promote responsible gambling, a 49% increase year-over-year.
5. What percentage of these messages were personalized based on customer behavior?
Of the 67.6 million messages sent, 23 million were personalized based on the customer’s gaming behavior, making up approximately 34% of the total messages.
6. How were the majority of personalized messages delivered to customers?
70% of the personalized messages were delivered via on-screen pop-ups, while another 25% were sent via email.
7. What percentage of EGBA members’ employees received safer gambling training?
80% of EGBA members’ employees, approximately 45,000 people, received dedicated safer gambling training.
8. What impact did the safety messages have on customers with potentially problematic play?
Following the safety messages, 65% of customers with potentially problematic play either improved or stabilized their gambling habits: 45% improved their play, 10% stabilized their play, and 10% refrained from playing.
9. How many customers voluntarily activated safety tools in response to operators’ messages?
32% of customers with potentially problematic play voluntarily activated safety tools in response to the operators’ messages.
10. How has the total number of customers changed year-over-year?
The total number of customers increased by 4% year-over-year, reaching 32.5 million.
11. What are the demographics of the majority of EGBA customers?
The majority of EGBA customers, 59%, are aged between 26 and 50. The share of female customers increased slightly from 26% to 28%.
12. How much did EGBA members allocate to problem gambling research, education, and treatment services?
EGBA members allocated €61.2 million to problem gambling research, education, and treatment services.
13. How much was donated to charities and community initiatives by EGBA members?
EGBA members donated €151.4 million to charities and community initiatives.
14. What is the gender balance among employees in the European gaming sector?
In the European gaming sector, 57% of employees are male, and 43% are female.
15. What was the energy consumption and the percentage sourced from renewable energy for the industry?
The industry’s energy consumption was 253.4 GWh, with 71.8% sourced from renewable energy.
16. What were the greenhouse gas emissions reported by the industry?
The greenhouse gas emissions reported by the industry amounted to 0.93 million tons CO2e.
17. What did EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer say about the report?
EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer expressed excitement about the improvements and progress made, highlighting the collective efforts to make gambling safer and more sustainable.
