Lottery umbrella organisation European Lotteries (EL) has published its annual report for 2019, tracking a busy year of activity that saw changes at the top of the organisation and developments in the sphere of social responsibility.

Introducing the report, the EL stated: “At the time of writing the 2019 Annual Report, the world faced the pandemic spread of Covid-19. In only a few weeks, businesses, and society came to a near full standstill in an attempt to halt the virus. The consequences, as well as the never before seen measures to deal with this situation, were felt by lotteries, and no doubt cast a shadow over the 2020 developments in the sector. 

“Nonetheless, EL reflects on a successful 2019 and is pleased to present an overview of its activities, which would not have been possible without the ongoing support of EL Members.”

Summarising, the EL noted: “2019 saw the 10th EL Congress and Trade Show in Antwerp, hosted by the Nationale Loterij/Loterie Nationale of Belgium, bringing together over 800 attendees. United in their core values, the Congress paid homage to that one element that is at the core base of the lottery sector; chance, and more specifically, the ‘’Success of Chance’’.

“During the General Assembly, EL Members elected a new Executive Committee and the re-appointment of Hansjörg Höltkemeier as EL President (2019-2021). EL Members also adopted the Antwerp Resolution calling for a risk-based approach towards advertisement restrictions for games a chance – a hot topic for 2019.”

It added: “Looking back at 2019, EL is proud of its many activities and achievements as an association. Lottery professionals had the chance to participate in all sectors of interest from marketing, innovation, sports betting to responsible gaming, legal and retail. The EL education programme continued with the first-ever Executive Module of the EL Corporate University (ELCU), and EL launched the Women’s Lottery Leadership (WiLL) Mentoring Pilot Programme in Europe.”

The report also documents the historic entry into force of the Council of Europe (CoE) Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention). “Since the conceptualisation and drafting phase of the Convention, the global lottery community

– through EL, together with the Global Lotteries Monitoring System (GLMS) and the World Lottery Association (WLA) – has fully supported the initiative and assisted the CoE in its effort to promote the Convention,” said EL. 

The full report can be viewed here