EGBA hails approval of European Digital Identity regulation

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has lauded the European Parliament's endorsement of a standardized electronic identification system known as the European Digital Identity (e-ID). The move seeks to foster a safer and more inclusive online environment for EU citizens.

The regulation mandates EU member states to issue e-IDs to their citizens, providing them with a reliable means to authenticate their identity for online services. Notably, the adoption of e-IDs will be optional for both citizens and businesses, offering a voluntary solution to online identity verification.

EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer said: "We welcome the European Parliament’s approval of a unified digital identity framework and are confident that the use of the new e-ID in our sector will lead to a more seamless and trustworthy online experience for players and help to reduce costs and administration for gambling operators.

"This innovative tool represents an important step towards building a more secure and user-friendly digital ecosystem, aligning with EGBA’s core objectives of promoting integrity, transparency, and a safe, consumer-centric playing environment."

One of the primary benefits of e-IDs is their potential to mitigate the risks associated with fraud and identity theft, thereby enhancing the overall security of the EU's digital landscape. Additionally, the standardized verification system will offer a uniform approach across the EU and eliminate the need for disparate commercial databases in each country.

EGBA has long advocated for the introduction of e-IDs, the association said, believing in their potential to "revolutionize" online access for EU citizens. The association has supported the proposals since the inception of the framework for a new EU online identification system in 2021.

Looking ahead, the European Commission aims to achieve an ambitious target of 80% adoption of e-IDs among EU citizens by 2030. However, the success of this initiative hinges on achieving high participation rates, with e-IDs remaining voluntary for gambling companies.

With the European Parliament's approval secured, the e-ID legislation now awaits formal endorsement by the EU's Council of Ministers. If it goes through, e-IDs are expected to be adopted by this summer.

EGBA said it continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at addressing problem gambling and enhancing cybersecurity. Recent efforts include the dissemination of safer gambling messages and the establishment of expert groups to combat emerging cyber threats.