The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has published the CEN Workshop Agreement “Responsible Remote Gambling Measures” which it hopes will increase the level of protection for online players within the European Union.

The CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs) are voluntary consensus agreements drawn up in an open process. The new agreement only covers online gambling and is outcome of more than 600 contributions by participants and a 3 month public consultation. The CWA on Responsible Remote Gambling Measures (CWA 16259: 2011) includes 134 implementing measures that are aimed at attaining the following 9 policy objectives:

• The protection of vulnerable customers

• The prevention of underage gambling

• Combating fraudulent and criminal behaviour

• Protection of customer privacy and safeguarding of information

• Prompt and accurate customer payments

• Fair gaming

• Responsible marketing

• Commitment to customer satisfaction and support

• Secure, safe and reliable operating environment

The CWA will assist policy makers at national and EU level of the standards needed to maintain a responsible, safe and secure remote gambling environment.

The work was proposed and undertaken by a wide range of experts and stakeholders involved in different aspects of online gambling. They include academics in criminology and addiction, industry associations and operators, players associations and experts on problem gambling.