EGBA Launches Registration for European Safer Gambling Week 2026

Preparations have officially begun for one of the most significant events in the European gambling calendar. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), based in Brussels, is inviting all relevant industry players to participate in the sixth edition of European Safer Gambling Week. This action week will take place from November 16 to 22, 2026, and has evolved over the past few years from a small initiative into a massive platform for exchanging ideas on responsible gaming. Operators, regulators, and support organizations are called upon to submit their projects by the deadline on October 19.

The goal of the campaign is clearly defined. It aims to raise awareness of safe gambling practices, make available player protection tools better known, and highlight the work of support services across Europe. The EGBA's appeal is not just directed at large online casinos and betting providers. Research institutions, sports clubs, technology suppliers, and experts-by-experience in the field of gambling addiction are also encouraged to get active. The spectrum of possible contributions ranges from webinars and workshops to the publication of new research data or specific training for staff and customers.

Numbers and facts

A look at the previous year's figures illustrates the enormous reach this format has now achieved. In 2025, a total of 221 partners from 24 different countries participated in the initiative. Safety messages reached around 4.1 million people via social media, representing a 32 percent increase over the previous year. A total of 23 events were held, attended by more than 2,500 participants. During these events, 120 experts spoke about the latest developments in research and regulation.

Particularly noteworthy last year was the expansion into the retail sector and professional sports. For the first time, safer gambling messages were visible during televised football matches and in betting shops on-site. The EGBA aims to carry this momentum into 2026. Pierre Tournier, who took over the role of Interim Secretary General from Maarten Haijer, emphasizes the importance of this format for the entire industry.

"European Safer Gambling Week is an important moment in the year – a chance for all of us to take stock of where we are on safer gambling and to have open, honest conversations about what more can be done." - Pierre Tournier, Interim Secretary General, EGBA

Background

EGBA is the leading trade association for online licensed gambling operators in the EU, representing approximately 30 percent of the European online gambling market in terms of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Recent additions to its membership include Tipico, Germany's market leader. Members collectively hold 321 licenses across 21 European countries. A central pillar of the association's work is the harmonization of standards. Recently, progress was made regarding the European standard on "Markers of Harm," which received broad approval within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The action week in November serves to translate these theoretical standards into practical applications for players.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, European Safer Gambling Week is highly relevant because the German market is one of the most strictly regulated in the world due to the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). The protection mechanisms discussed during the week are often legal requirements in Germany. German customers playing with providers on the official GGL whitelist already benefit from strict measures such as a cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and a maximum stake of 1 euro per spin on virtual slots. These systems are monitored by the LUGAS database and the OASIS lock system.

The EGBA campaign supports these national efforts by taking the topic out of the taboo zone. During the week, German players will be increasingly informed about help offers and self-protection tools that may go beyond the legal minimum requirements. Since EGBA provides branding materials in local languages, high visibility for German campaign components is expected. This promotes transparency and helps players distinguish licensed, safe offers from dangerous black market casinos from overseas (e.g., Curacao or the Philippines), which often ignore these protection standards.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL), the week provides an ideal platform to demonstrate their compliance and commitment to player protection. Since German regulation is very strict, German providers can often act as role models for "best practice." Participating in the initiative allows companies to link their brand identity with safety and responsibility, rather than just being perceived through stake limits. Through networking with European partners, German providers can also pick up on early trends in AI-supported detection of problematic gambling behavior before these may be incorporated into future revisions of the GlüStV.