Against the backdrop of tightening regulations, the fight against illegal operators, and growing attention to the ESG agenda, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has published its 2024 Sustainability Report. The figures are more than just formalities — they serve as evidence that the gambling industry can be a part of social infrastructure: economically beneficial, technologically transparent, and socially responsible.
The key question for every gambling software provider in 2025: are you ready to meet these standards?
Financial Contribution of Gambling: €3.8 Billion to EU and UK Budgets
According to the report, in 2024, EGBA members paid €3.8 billion in taxes to the budgets of EU countries and the UK. These funds were used to support public services, infrastructure programs, and social initiatives.
An additional €735 million was contributed to the European sports industry, including:
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62% — broadcasting rights fees,
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The rest — sponsorships and commercial fees.
Furthermore, €156.8 million was invested in charitable and community initiatives. This confirms that regulated gambling is not just a lucrative market — it’s a socially engaged sector.
Responsible Gambling: Tools, Behavior, and Outcomes
Modern online casino software in Europe goes far beyond UX, RTP, or game mechanics. It’s about control, prevention, and player interaction based on behavioral patterns.
Mass Outreach and Behavioral Analytics
In 2024, EGBA members sent 100 million safer gambling messages to players — a 48% increase compared to the previous year.
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28% of these communications were personalized, tailored to individual player behavior.
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As a result, 42–46% of high-risk players changed their gambling habits.
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21% activated or enhanced the use of self-control tools.
This isn’t just a marketing push — it’s an effective behavioral safety strategy.
Self-Control Tools: Empowering Choice, Not Pressure
The use of self-regulation technologies also reached a record high:
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69% of EGBA players used at least one safer gambling tool.
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Half of them did so voluntarily, without any external pressure.
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The most popular tool was deposit limits, chosen by 65% of voluntary users.
This proves that when provided with the right environment, players not only accept responsibility — they actively engage in it.
Education and Treatment: €148.9 Million to the RET Fund
In 2024, EGBA members allocated nearly €149 million to:
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gambling harm research,
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educational programs,
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treatment and rehabilitation services for players.
Over the past five years, a total of €290 million has been invested in these areas. This reflects a systemic approach — not a one-off PR move.
It’s also noteworthy that 89% of all employees (over 55,000 people) completed safer gambling training. This is shaping a new corporate culture in gambling, where responsibility is embedded into core business processes.
Demographics and Gender Balance: Operators Become More Inclusive
EGBA’s updated data shows:
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38.6 million active accounts — a 19% increase year-over-year,
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Gender distribution: 75% men, 25% women (compared to 72/28 in 2023),
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Workforce: 62,698 employees, 43% of whom are women.
The gambling industry is becoming more inclusive and oriented toward long-term development, not just short-term profits.
Environmental Agenda: 78% of Energy from Renewable Sources
Sustainability isn’t just about players — it’s also about environmental impact.
EGBA members reduced energy consumption by 11% year-over-year, with 78% of their energy sourced from renewables (compared to 64% in 2023).
For operators, this is a clear signal: environmental KPIs are becoming part of industry standards, and will eventually be included in licensing and compliance requirements.
The Dark Side of the Industry: EGBA Calls for Crackdown on Illegal Operators
Despite the progress, EGBA warns of the ongoing threat posed by unlicensed operators, especially those operating outside the EU regulatory framework.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, stated:
“To preserve the progress we’ve made, we need a stable legal environment and a firm crackdown on illegal operators who not only avoid paying taxes but also jeopardize player safety.”
What Does This Mean for Operators and Platforms?
The report sends a clear message: sustainability is not a ‘nice-to-have’ — it’s a must.
For any modern casino platform, developers, and operators, this implies:
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Mandatory integration of Responsible Gambling (RG) tools into player interfaces,
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Real-time behavioral analytics,
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Monitoring and reporting systems,
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Trained staff who understand the consequences of improper player communication.