European Lotteries releases 2021 report highlighting contributions and innovations amid the pandemic

National lotteries organization European Lotteries unveiled Tuesday its results for the year 2021, in a report that highlights a period that “saw inspiring innovations" within the lottery community, "despite the ongoing pandemic."

Even though lockdowns had different effects on game verticals, national lotteries continued providing regulated services to their players, the organization remarks. "EL Members continued to uphold their contributions in times of need, from offering relief and welfare aid to providing medical supplies to the healthcare sector," the group explains.

In this fourth edition of the EL Annual Report, EL reflects on its activities during the past year. Service to its members continued, and the offering of a platform for the exchange of best practices "was never more active and visible than in 2021". 

EL reconnected with its members more often with a wide range of online events that brought them together. Aiming to improve the services to its members, EL created the new 2021-2023 Executive Committee work plan under the overarching theme of “Reconnect." during the period. It also held a digital General Assembly and elected a new Executive Committee and reelected the EL President.

EL's Industry Days in-person event in 2022

“Player protection remained of utmost importance to national lotteries, and EL Members adopted mandatory Responsible Gaming Certification for all Members and an EL Resolution on CSR," the organization also noted as a highlight of the year. It also introduced an easy-to-access overview of the relevant EU dossiers as well as a new library of Europe-wide studies on the gambling sector and markets. 

Additionally, 2021 also saw the continuity of advocacy activities, as EL sought to create ways to reach EU policymakers on the hot topics in 2021, including the Digital Services Act, AI and Anti-money laundering. EL debated the DSA in a dedicated webinar, bringing together its experts on EU policy dossiers and a broad audience. 

Last year, EL also continued to monitor important legal issues from gambling advertising to taxation, and members remained committed to providing continuous care to channel the gambling desire of the population towards a regulated and responsible offer of gambling products. In 2021, EL also announced its collaboration with IP protection company White Bullet to help fight ad-funded piracy. 

“This fourth EL Annual Report gives further insights into the activities of the largest and most important European Association in the gambling sector. EL acts for the benefit of society," said Arjan van 't Veer, EL Secretary General. “I warmly thank all parties involved in the important work of the Association and I look forward to continuing our activities, united for the benefit of society."