The European Gaming and Betting Association--or EGBA--was formed in 2007 with the primary principle of bringing universal online gaming to Europe. This would allow gambling organizations to offer their services throughout all of the countries of Europe.

EGBA Beliefs and Objectives

The core belief of the European Gaming and Betting Association is that creating a single European online gambling jurisdiction is best for the political and economic shape of the European Union. The organization itself seeks to take a stand against any European body that wants to ban or monopolize gambling and is known to take legal recourse when required. The main objective of the EGBA is to create fair gambling opportunities for both the player and the gambling institution by setting into place stringent rules and guidelines that both parties must follow.

EGBA Member Requirements

Members of the EGBA must comply with a number of requirements, but most of them are fairly simple and require little involvement. Among these are in-depth customer checks to make sure that players are being treated fairly and respectfully. Another main requirement is 24/7 customer care services, since many gamblers are not known for gambling during certain hours. Companies who are members of the EGBA must provide players with tools that set limits on spending during certain time periods, and regular system audits performed by third-party companies are a must. Prevention of Problem Gambling

The EGBA works hard to combat problem gambling--namely, money laundering and gambling addiction. To do this, the EGBA advocates responsible gaming among players and anti-money laundering policies are in place with every member casino. To prevent gambling addiction, the EGBA's sites are networked in such a way that potential problem gamblers can be detected easily and provided with sites and links that can provide counsel.

The EGBA is one of Europe's leading gambling regulatory bodies, and seeks to open a world of safe, fair gambling to all European citizens. Region-wide gambling may one day be available to European residents thanks to the efforts of the EGBA.