European Lotteries demands ‘clear guidelines’ on digital developments and AI responsibilities

European Lotteries has called upon European Union (EU) lawmakers to make provisions for the rise in new technologies and artificial intelligence in gambling by focusing on consumer protection
Image: Shutterstock

European Lotteries has called upon European Union (EU) lawmakers to make provisions for the rise in new technologies and artificial intelligence in gambling by focusing on consumer protection. 

In light of EU institutions drafting legislation relating to esports and gaming, EL has urged politicians involved to consider the interests of consumers in doing so. 

Whilst the collective acknowledges that new digital technologies and the use of AI can bring positives to the industry, it asserted that the developers of such technologies bear responsibilities to ensure that players are sufficiently protected. 

It stated that a set of ‘clear guidelines’ must be introduced to keep ‘close to the heart of the lottery sector’, by keeping benefits for society at the focal point of any legislation published. 

An EL statement lobbying for such provisions read: “The rapid growth of technologies for digital transformation such as artificial intelligence and new forms of online entertainment like e-sports and videogames are important developments. 

“Although these developments can be used to enhance player experience in exciting ways, they should come with responsibilities.

“EL calls on EU policymakers to sustain the current successful model of national lotteries in Europe, support national gambling policies through the principle of subsidiarity and safeguard the benefits of national lotteries for society.”

The organisation has played a key role in pressuring European legislators when drafting new laws in the recent past. Last October, EL called for the EU Council to exclude the mention of online gambling from the Digital Services Act, raising concerns that it is not conducive within the context of freedom of establishment laws. 

In its latest call to European lawmakers, EL praised ‘a number of provisions foreseen in the Digital Services Act’, in its role in combating illegal online gambling offerings.

Concluding its appeal to bestow responsibilities pon the development of digital technologies in gambling, EL noted that any restrictions placed upon the industry must be in the name of benefits to society and public health. 

Its statement noted: “The EU Court of Justice clearly confirmed on several occasions that restrictions in the gambling sector are justified for reasons of public order, public security, public health, or the overriding reasons in the public interest, such as consumer protection, combating fraud, crime or squandering of money.”