'Public Benefit Before Profit: Safeguarding the European Lottery Model''
'Public Benefit Before Profit: Safeguarding the European Lottery Model''
An Opinion Piece by Romana Girandon, President of The European Lotteries
In the latest edition of The Parliament Magazine, Romana emphasises that the European lottery model is so much more than a game a chance. It is a shared societal value worth preserving. Tracing back to 1441 in Bruges, Belgium, national lotteries continue to generate funds for public benefit. Annually EL members contribute €22 billion to public good.
Romana underscores the importance of preserving the unique lottery model, highlighting initiatives such as UNESCO World Heritage recognition and outlining key priorities in the EL Manifesto for EU decision makers.
The commitment to responsible gaming is also a critical aspect of the model. EL's mandatory Responsible Gaming Standards ensure that games remain entertaining without causing harm, marketing promotes lower-risk options, and vulnerable groups, especially minors, are protected.
''Responsible balance - between prizes, public benefit, and profits - is essential.''
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In the recent edition of The Parliament Magazine (January 2025) EL President Romana Girandon highlights the importance of safeguarding the European Lottery Model.
In addition, EL's Legal Advisor Philippe Valemminck puts the spotlight on digital responsibility and the protection of minors as a top priority ahead of an important EL event in the European Parliament.
''The European lottery model is much more than a game of chance – it’s a shared societal value worth preserving'.'
In a recent opinion piece, Romana Girandon, EL President emphasises the societal value of national lotteries in Europe. Tracing back to 1441 in Bruges, Belgium, national lotteries continue to generate funds for public benefit through safe and enjoyable games of chance. Today, they contribute approximately €22 billion annually to various sectors, including sports, cultural heritage, art, healthcare, and education.
Girandon underscores the importacne of preserving this unique lottery model, highlighting initiatives such as seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition and outlining key priorities in the EL Manifesto. Central to these efforts is a call for EU decision-makers to reaffirm and safeguard the vital societal role of national lotteries across Member States, acknowledging their cultural heritage and commitment to public benefit.
A critical aspect of this model is the unwavering commitment to responsible gaming. EL was the first games of chance Association globally to introduce mandatory Responsible Gaming Standards, with all members now certified. This ensures that games remain entertaining without causing harm, marketing promotes lower-risk options, and vulnerable groups, especially minors, are protected.
Girandon concludes by urging policymakers to prioritise public benefit over profit, advocating for market regulations that promote socially responsible approaches to lotteries and gambling. She emphasises that member states should ensure operators direct substantial income toward the public good, promote lower-risk games, protect vulnerable groups, and limit the number of operators with clear selection criteria.
Public benefit before profit: Safeguarding the European Lottery model
Opinion Piece by Romana Girandon, President of EL
Read the Opinion here
https://www.european-lotteries.org/news/public-benefit-profit-safeguarding-european-lottery-model