Lotteries in Europe are rooted in longstanding traditions. These date back to 1441 when an ingenious plan was conceived in Bruges, Belgium to organise a game with various prizes in order to collect voluntary contributions and use the proceeds to pay for society’s collective needs. This model has endured and provided significant funding for culture across Europe for more than five centuries. Yet, with the digital revolution introducing countless other gaming options, it is now being put to a test.

Despite the existence of a single market, each Member State has its own lottery, typically with a long history closely linked to local social and community life. The presence of these 50 lotteries within the EU is a common feature that characterizes the EU and deserves active protection.