The European Parliament has approved new regulations governing online gambling

The European Parliament has approved new regulations that amend rules concerning illegal content and hold operators accountable for its use. In the final vote, 530 members supported the amendments, while 80 abstained and 78 opposed the initiative. Lawmakers aim to finalize the Digital Services Act (DSA), a tool designed to create a safer and more reliable online environment.
The new rules have already received backing from the European Lotteries (EL). Commenting on the vote's outcome, EL Secretary General Arjan van 't Veer stated, "The European Lotteries team firmly believes in the necessity of a high level of consumer protection and is fully committed to combating illegal online gambling." He added, "The DSA includes several new provisions that could be beneficial in achieving this goal. EL hopes that enhanced oversight mechanisms and tools for increased consumer protection will soon be available to us."
The DSA is set to be a future EU regulation aimed at establishing a safer digital space. Under its provisions, user rights will be safeguarded through rules targeting illegal products, services, or content online. It will also enhance accountability and transparency of online product algorithms and introduce content moderation.
Following the European Commission's proposal for the DSA in December 2020, EU member states reached a general consensus in November of last year. Notably, the European Lotteries had urged the EU Council to exclude direct references to online gambling and sports betting from the DSA before the discussions began.
After the vote, Member of the European Parliament Christel Schaldemose, who leads the negotiating group, remarked, "Today's vote demonstrates that both Members of the European Parliament and EU citizens want to strengthen regulation in the digital sphere. A lot has changed in the 20 years since we adopted the e-commerce directive."
She further stated, "Online platforms are becoming increasingly important in our daily lives, offering new opportunities but also new risks. We must ensure that what is illegal for brick-and-mortar businesses is also illegal online. We need to implement digital rules for the benefit of consumers."
Reportedly, the adopted amendments include provisions for "more transparent and informed choices" for digital service recipients, a ban on targeted advertising methods aimed at minors, and a focus on vulnerable population groups.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Armenia plans to tighten regulations on online gambling advertising once again.