European Lotteries Call for Increased EU Support in New Manifesto

The EL manifesto emphasizes that lotteries are not just a form of gambling, but also an important tool for supporting public goods. Since the first lottery in Bruges in 1441, lotteries have become an integral part of the financial system of EU member states, helping to generate public funds and support social programs. The document emphasizes that without these lotteries, European society would lose 22 billion euros annually.

European Lotteries is calling on EU policymakers to protect the unique model of national lotteries by ensuring their continued contribution to public welfare. The manifesto emphasizes the need for EU institutions to reaffirm the cultural and social value of national lotteries, while recognizing their historical and traditional principles.

EL emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal gambling operators. The organization supports the concept of trusted registrars, as set out in the Digital Services Act, to combat illegal online content. EL advocates for a unified approach to the legality of gambling both online and offline, which will help protect consumers and support lawful transactions.

The EL manifesto insists on maintaining the current approach to exempting the gambling sector from specific EU legislation. This will enable Member States to effectively meet local needs and ensure a high level of consumer protection. This approach helps to take into account the characteristics and traditions of each individual Member State.

EL advocates a risk-based approach to advertising. Under this approach, high-risk games must be subject to stricter rules than low-risk lotteries. This will ensure that consumers are responsibly directed towards legal and safe offerings, helping to reduce the potential harmful effects of gambling.

Finally, EL highlights the importance of taking into account the unique characteristics of lotteries in any future EU discussions on environmental and social taxonomy. This is necessary so as not to harm their cooperation with investors and insurers, which in turn will allow the lotteries to continue their social and environmental activities.

The European Lotteries Manifesto is an important document calling for increased support from the EU. Lotteries play a significant role in the socio-economic life of Europe, and their protection and support are necessary to continue their contribution to public welfare. By calling for their value to be recognized and illegal operators to be tackled, EL is committed to ensuring a sustainable and responsible future for the lottery industry in Europe.