European Casino Association

As a new European Commission embarks on its ambitious priorities for the mandate 2024–2029, the European Casino Association (ECA) is proud to contribute to the political dialogue in Brussels with the launch of our Manifesto.  This pivotal document is our roadmap to fostering a safe, regulated, and economically vibrant land-based casino industry in Europe. We call on EU policymakers to collaborate on three critical pillars: ·      Support: Working hand-in-hand to combat illegal gambling and safeguard the integrity of the gaming industry. ·      Protect: Prioritising consumer safety while addressing the risks posed by illegal operators. ·      Promote: Providing a fair economic and financial framework allowing the legal sector to thrive, thus contributing to the overall EU economic competitiveness. We look forward to engaging with EU policymakers to protect consumers, combat illegal gambling, and strengthen the legal gaming industry across Europe.  Let’s build a future together that supports innovation, protects consumers, and champions economic progress. 🎯 📄 Explore the full Manifesto here: https://lnkd.in/dtzcxnJf 📢 Read our press release for more details here: https://lnkd.in/dXJYsAYA   #EuropeanCasinoAssociation #ECAManifesto #EUCommission #AgainstIllegalGambling #GamingIndustry   

Exciting news! The December edition of G3 Magazine showcases a detailed overview of our recent ECA Casino Industry Forum 2024! Held at HIT universe of fun in the charming Nova Gorica, Slovenia, this year's forum delved into the theme "Future Forward: AI, Regulation, and the Evolution of Land-Based Casinos." Noteworthy aspects of the event include: - Engaging dialogues on AI's influence on casino operations - Examination of technological progress shaping the industry - Strategies to boost customer interaction and operational effectiveness The article encapsulates the essence of our dynamic gathering, where industry pioneers converged to tackle critical issues and envision the future of European casinos. For a deeper insight into the innovative concepts and approaches discussed at the forum, delve into the complete article in G3 Magazine. Let's collectively propel innovation and excellence within the European casino sector! #ECACasinoForum2024 #GamingInnovation #EuropeanCasinos #G3Magazine

Artificial Intelligence was top of the agenda at the ECA's Casino Industry Forum 2024, hosted by HIT universe of fun in Slovenia. Is the industry at the forefront of innovation or lagging behind? European Casino Association Find the full article in the December issue of G3: https://lnkd.in/e3FQTNww #casinoindustry #artificialintelligence #g3media #g3magazine #europeancasinoassociation

Last week, the ECA Cybersecurity Working Group convened for its annual Workshop at Casino 2000 in Luxembourg. This landmark event marked the first physical meeting of our cybersecurity experts, setting the stage for a robust network dedicated to this critical issue. Key highlights: • Industry leaders and cybersecurity experts gathered to address emerging digital threats • Discussions focused on protecting digital assets, safeguarding customer data, and implementing cutting-edge security measures • The event fostered knowledge sharing and best practices in our increasingly high-tech casino landscape A big thank you to ECA Board Member Guido Berghmans for hosting us at the beautiful Casino 2000, and to all participants for their valuable contributions. At the ECA, we're committed to building a secure future for European casinos. This workshop is a testament to our industry's proactive approach to cybersecurity challenges. #EuropeanCasinoAssociation #Cybersecurity #GamingSecurity #CasinoInnovation

The Unaddressed Root of Europe's Gambling Problem: Illegal Online Operators While recent UK initiatives to tackle gambling harm are commendable, we must address the elephant in the room: illegal online gambling across Europe. What are the key points that need to be considered: Regulatory Focus Misdirection: Politicians and regulators are overlooking the core issue - unregulated, illegal cross-border online gambling operations. Predatory Practices: These illegal operators exploit vulnerable players with aggressive advertising and lack of safeguards. Ineffective Consumer Protection: Until we tackle this issue head-on, efforts to protect consumers and support the legitimate gaming industry will fall short. Need for Pan-European Action: A coordinated approach is crucial to prevent these operators from exploiting regulatory gaps between countries. Industry Integrity: Legitimate operators are committed to responsible gaming but face unfair competition from these unregulated entities. While the UK's recent £100m fund for gambling harm prevention is a step forward, it's crucial to recognize that such measures, while important, don't address the root cause. It's time for a unified European strategy to combat illegal online gambling. Only by closing these loopholes can we truly protect vulnerable individuals and ensure a fair, regulated gaming environment. https://lnkd.in/eTeVC_Ch #ResponsibleGaming #OnlineRegulation #ConsumerProtection #CasinoIndustry

The ECA welcomes the Dutch Initiative Against Illegal Gambling 🇳🇱 The European Casino Association (ECA) extends its congratulations to VNLOK (Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders - Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers) and NOGA (Netherlands Online Gambling Association) for their groundbreaking initiative in combating illegal gambling - a critical issue that demands more attention across the EU. VNLOK and NOGA have launched "Meld Vals Spel" (meldvalsspel.nl), an innovative reporting portal where stakeholders can flag unsafe practices and activities on illegal gambling websites or applications. This proactive approach aims to: • Raise awareness about illegal gambling operations • Facilitate more effective enforcement • Enhance player protection We commend this collaborative effort to create a safer gambling environment in the Netherlands. The ECA calls upon gaming industry stakeholders in other EU member states to consider similar approaches, recognising the urgent need for unified action against illegal gambling across Europe. Visit meldvalsspel.nl to learn more about this exemplary initiative.

The European Casino Association (ECA) extends its sincere congratulations to the newly appointed European Commissioners. As the representative body for licensed land-based casinos in Europe, the ECA looks forward to: • Engaging in constructive dialogue on industry-relevant matters • Continuing our commitment to responsible gaming practices • Contributing to the economic growth within a well-regulated framework We anticipate a period of productive cooperation and are prepared to offer our industry expertise to support informed policy-making. #EuropeanCasinos #EUCommission #RegulatedGaming

Yesterday, the ECA held its annual Security and Safety workshop at the iconic Hippodrome Casino in London. Security managers from ECA casinos gathered to discuss crucial industry topics, including: • Current criminal fraud attempts in casino operations • Building security measures • AI threats and countermeasures Two distinguished speakers enhanced the programme: Andrew Cammegh from Cammegh, a leading British manufacturer of precision-engineered roulette wheels and security technologies, shared insights on roulette security in the AI era. John Conolly from Finger presented a summary of global casino incidents from the past year. A highlight of the event was the invaluable networking opportunity it provided. Security professionals from various ECA casinos engaged in lively discussions, sharing best practices and exchanging know-how. This collaborative atmosphere fostered innovation and strengthened the industry's collective approach to safety and security challenges. ECA member casinos are continually adapting to new challenges and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to ensure a secure gaming environment for all. The next ECA Safety and Security Workshop is planned for April 2025. Stay tuned for more details to be announced shortly. #CasinoSecurity #EuropeanCasinoAssociation #GamingSafety #AIinGaming

The European Casino Association (ECA) is pleased to participate in the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference (GTGC/GGPC) currently underway at the Hippodrome Casino in London. We commend Richard Marcus, the GTGC/GGPC founder, for organising this event. The conference addresses important topics in casino operations, including game protection, safer gambling, and industry technologies. Tomorrow, the ECA's Security and Safety Experts from member casinos will convene for their annual workshop as part of the conference. This session will facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance our industry's security practices. The GTGC/GGPC European edition (November 18-20, 2024) covers: • Table games and game protection insights • AI, facial recognition, and video surveillance advancements • Cybersecurity threats • Networking with industry professionals • An expo featuring surveillance and table games products We look forward to productive discussions to support the safety and integrity of European casinos. #GTGCGGPC2024 #CasinoSecurity #EuropeanCasinoAssociation #GamingIndustry

European Casino Association reinforces commitment to Responsible Gaming! The European Casino Association (ECA) has once again demonstrated its dedication to fostering a responsible gaming environment across its member casinos. In a ceremony during the recent ECA General Assembly in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, two members were handed over their renewed Responsible Gaming Certificates: • Veikkaus Oy, Casino Helsinki, Finland • Casino 2000, Luxembourg These esteemed establishments successfully underwent strict recertification audits conducted by an independent auditor from the Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4), confirming their position as industry leaders in responsible gaming practices. The certificates were presented by Petra de Ruiter, CEO of Holland Casino and ECA board member in charge of the Responsible Gaming Working Group, alongside Erwin van Lambaart, ECA Chairman and CEO of Casinos Austria/Austrian Lotteries. The ceremony underscores ECA's ongoing commitment to responsible gaming across Europe's casino landscape. #ResponsibleGaming #EuropeanCasinoAssociation #IndustryLeadership #Casino2000 #GamingExcellence #Veikkaus #CasinoHelsinki