EGBA Hails EC’s Proposal for European Digital Identity

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has hailed the the European Commission’s (EC) proposals to initiate a European digital identity, namely, in the form of an electronic identity wallet (e-ID).

The proposed e-ID will facilitate an easy access for EU citizens to online public and private services. EGBA forecasts that the new system will bring about a solid identity verification process for many online sectors in Europe, including online gambling.

As per EC’s new proposals, EU citizens can utilise the new e-ID anywhere in the EU to identify and authenticate themselves for availing online services in both public and private sectors.

Ekaterina Hartmann, EGBA Director, said:

“An ever-increasing number of Europeans are using online services and a common electronic identification method would help them to access online services in a practical, secure way which safeguards their data. We welcome the proposal for a Europe-wide e-ID, which would have significant positive impacts on the way KYC is conducted in Europe’s online gambling sector and help establish more common approaches to identity verification. An EU e-ID would, for example, help strengthen existing processes to prevent minors from accessing online gambling and to fight fraud and money laundering.”

EGBA concludes that the new eID would benefit both customers and gaming operators. Customers can now verify their identity in an easy and secure manner. Operators now have a streamlined method for compliance, which makes it the job of dealing with with the regulations of different  jurisdictions easier.

It is estimated the implementation of a European e-ID could generate 9.6 billion euros in benefits for the EU economy and create up to 27,000 jobs over the next five years.

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