EL News Update - European Commission Work Programme 2025: What it means for lotteries
NEWS UPDATE
European Commission Work Programme 2025: What it means for lotteries
Brussels, 12 February 2025 – Every year the European Commission publishes its Work Programme, outlining key policy priorities that will shape the coming months. More than just a roadmap, this document signals the Commission’s focus areas and upcoming debates. While the 2025 Work Programme (published today) does not explicitly mention lotteries or gambling, several initiatives could have an impact on the sector.
For EL and its Members, staying engaged in these discussions is essential to safeguarding the European lottery model and ensuring that policy developments respect national regulatory frameworks for the sector. More than just economic operators, lotteries serve the public good. Annually contributing €22 billion to society, they support initiatives in sports, cultural heritage, art, health care, education and much more. In this context, modern lottery practices can provide a benchmark for policymakers and regulators to shape new EU policies and reaffirm the true purpose of games of chance: for the benefit of society.
Among the Commission’s initiatives in the 2025 work programme, three stand out in particular for the lottery sector:
- Single Market Strategy
The Commission’s upcoming Single Market Strategy aims to enhance competitiveness and remove remaining barriers within the EU. However, gambling is not an ordinary economic activity – it carries specific risks that require careful oversight. Gambling regulation should remain primarily at the national level, allowing Member States to reflect local cultural, social and policy considerations in their approach. At the same time, EU policymakers must ensure that the Single Market continues to respect the specific nature of lotteries, which operate with a clear public interest mission. EL encourages the Commission to preserve the existing framework that allows national governments to set rules that best serve their societies. This initiative is expected in Q2 2025.
- 2030 Consumer Agenda
The 2030 Consumer Agenda will define the EU’s long-term approach to consumer rights. While EL fully supports strong consumer protections, any new measures must acknowledge that gambling regulation is best managed at national level. Lotteries already operate under strict national frameworks that ensure high standards of player protection and responsible gaming. EU action should complement, not override these existing systems. A one-size-fits-all approach could weaken well-established safeguards and fail to account for diverse national regulatory models. EL will continue advocating for a balanced approach that prioritises consumer protection while respecting the role of national regulators. The 2030 Consumer Agenda, including an action plan for consumers in the Single Market, is expected in Q4 2025.
- Fitness Check on Digital Policy
The Commission’s upcoming review of digital policies is an opportunity to strengthen enforcement against illegal online gambling operators, who disregard national regulations, undermine consumer protections and distort competition. Unlike EL Members, these unlicensed operators do not contribute to public causes or adhere to responsible gaming standards. A fair and well-regulated digital environment is essential to protecting players and ensuring that legal, responsible lotteries can continue to operate sustainably. EL encourages policymakers to consider how digital policy reforms can reinforce the integrity of national gambling markets, ensuring that legal operators can compete on fair terms and that consumers are protected from unregulated offerings. Fitness Check is expected in Q4 2025.
Other Relevant Developments
The Commission will also introduce Omnibus proposals to simplify and streamline rules, particularly in sustainability reporting, due diligence, and taxonomy. These efforts aim to reduce complexity by addressing overlaps between different legislative requirements. In the digital space, the Commission will focus on AI and data access, supported by a Cloud and AI Development Act, as well as an AI Continent Action Plan to strengthen Europe’s AI ecosystem. Additionally, the European Business Wallet will be launched to facilitate digital exchanges between businesses and public authorities.
Ensuring a Sustainable Future for National Lotteries
National lotteries have been part of Europe’s cultural and social fabric for centuries, operating with a clear mission to generate funds for public benefit by offering safe and fun games of chance. Without this purpose, games of chance lose their meaning – becoming, at best, pointless, and at worst, harmful. The European lottery model therefore must be protected particularly in the context of digital developments and Single Market reforms at EU level.
As the EU’s 2025 agenda takes shape, EL will actively engage with policymakers to ensure that national lotteries continue to operate responsibly, sustainably and in the best interests of society. By reaffirming the societal value of lotteries, ensuring a fair digital landscape, and maintaining a regulatory approach that respects national competencies, EU policymakers can help sustain a sector that delivers real benefits to European citizens.
Further information: