Digital technologies are reshaping our economies and societies at unprecedented speed. As the EU strives to promote a human-centric, fair and sustainable digital future, the protection of minors online has become a growing priority. Within this context, the lottery and other games of chance sector, represented at the European level by The European Lotteries (EL), carries a particular responsibility to ensure a safer digital environment.
National lotteries are deeply rooted in historic traditions and social responsibility, differentiating them from private gambling operators by prioritising consumer protection and societal benefits. The gambling sector is regulated in strict observance of the subsidiarity principle, with authorities at the national level best placed to regulate it, set their own objectives and define modalities of achieving these in accordance with the extensive case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU.
As established by the Court of Justice of the EU, gambling services are economic activities of a peculiar nature entailing specific risks. For overriding reasons of general interest – most notably protection of players and preservation of public order – there are justified restrictions to the internal market rules and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the EU Treaties that apply to the sector.
These principles prioritise responsible practices and consumer protection, with a particular emphasis on minors and other vulnerable individuals. Implementing stringent measures to prevent underage participation in gaming activities include deploying advanced technological solutions for age verification, monitoring online platforms for compliance, and ensuring that marketing practices do not target or appeal to minors.
However, safeguarding minors in the digital sphere cannot be the sole responsibility of operators. Policymakers, regulators, and society as a whole must collaborate to establish a comprehensive framework that protects minors online. This involves updating legal instruments, enhancing cooperation, and fostering public awareness about the risks associated with online gambling especially for minors.
EL and its Members advocate for the implementation of robust age verification systems, responsible advertising practices, and education campaigns to safeguard minors from potential harms associated with online gambling. By prioritising these measures, we can foster a culture of digital responsibility, ensuring that the online environment remains a safe space for all, particularly the younger generation. Additionally, EL calls for a balanced, risk-based approach to gambling advertising, regulated at the national level. Stricter rules should apply to higher-risk gambling activities compared to lower-risk options like lottery games, aligning advertising practices with the potential level of harm.
To further discussions on the topics, EL’s upcoming event in the European Parliament , “Digital Responsibility: Safeguarding Minors Online,” (5 February 2025), will bring together European officials and key stakeholders to explore effective strategies for creating a safer digital space for younger users. Topics include the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act, the European Commission’s anticipated guidelines on protecting minors online, the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, and the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on safeguarding minors.
As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, the protection of minors must remain a top priority. By fostering collaboration, adopting innovative solutions, and implementing robust safeguards, we can ensure that the online environment is a secure and supportive space for all – particularly for the younger generation.
Join our event in the European Parliament on 5 February 2025 (13:30 - 17:00 CET). Find out more and register here