The European Lotteries (EL) is calling for a clear separation line to be maintained between gambling and gaming as the European Parliament adopts a new resolution on consumer protection in online video games.
“While this line can sometimes get blurred, the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU is clear. All issues involving gambling – including defining what gambling is and what it is not – fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States and should continue to be addressed by the relevant authorities at the national level,” stated the European umbrella organization of national lotteries.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted its resolution on “Consumer Protection in Online Video Games – A European Single Market Approach” with 577 votes in favor, 56 against, and 15 abstentions. The resolution acknowledges the importance and value of the video games sector while also calling for more measures to protect the players.
📢@EuropeLotteries call for clear separation to be maintained between gambling & gaming as @Europarl_EN adopts resolution on consumer protection in online video games👇@EuropeLotteries Press release➡️https://t.co/Y2JqhUYwYO@Europarl_EN Press release➡️https://t.co/TOiidQZ49X pic.twitter.com/uZusvQBrJN
— European Lotteries (@EuropeLotteries) January 18, 2023
The latest resolution calls in particular for better protection of minors by making clearer information available on the content, in-game purchase policies, and target age group of games along the lines of the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system already in use.
There is also an attempt to ensure that parents have good control over how much time and money their children spend playing and a call for a common European approach to loot boxes. Emphasized is also the importance of ensuring data protection and the protection of vulnerable groups.
To support and unlock the potential of the video games sector as such, the resolution proposes to instate an annual European online video game award and an overall European video game strategy.
Arjan van’t Veer, EL Secretary General, said: “EL welcomes the resolution driven from own-initiative reports of the European Parliament, which calls to ensure adequate protection of consumers and for great transparency. However, the separation between gambling and gaming should be maintained to regulate gambling on the national level‘.”
“EL, as the largest sector association for lotteries and toto organizations in Europe, will continue to closely monitor and – as appropriate – get actively involved in this discussion in the best interest of its members,” the organization said in a statement.
