Breaking Records: European Safer Gambling Week 2024

The European Safer Gambling Week 2024 (ESGW24), orchestrated by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), has set unprecedented standards in promoting responsible gambling across Europe. Through extensive outreach and heightened engagement, the campaign has surpassed previous records, solidifying its position as a pivotal initiative in fostering safer gambling practices.

Major Achievements and Campaign Expansion

In November, ESGW24 achieved significant milestones by disseminating 67 million safety messages. This accomplishment was facilitated by the active participation of EGBA’s member organizations, ensuring a wider reach. The campaign made notable progress in 26 national markets, including Austria, Denmark, Norway, and Poland.

Furthermore, ESGW24 extended its geographical footprint to countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. This expansion addressed the increasing demand for accessible gambling-related resources, guaranteeing that consumers across Europe receive essential safety information, irrespective of language or location.

To enhance this effort, localized content in multiple languages was developed, enabling personalized messages that resonated with diverse audiences. Public service announcements on radio and TV channels complemented the digital strategy, further boosting the campaign’s visibility.

Social Media and Online Impact

The campaign’s digital strategy yielded impressive results, with 1,169 social media posts shared on platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. This represented a 67% increase in online activity compared to 2023. The #ESGW24 hashtag played a central role, enabling the campaign to reach approximately 3.1 million users across various platforms.

Interactive infographics, short videos, and live-streamed discussions contributed to the campaign’s dynamic online presence. User engagement surged due to well-timed posts and strategic collaborations with influencers advocating for safer gambling practices.

Educational Events and Industry Engagement

A critical component of ESGW24 involved hosting specialized events aimed at enhancing industry awareness and action against problem gambling. A total of 20 events were organized, drawing 4,500 registrations and attracting 3,000 attendees. These events featured 105 expert speakers who participated in both webinars and in-person meetings.

Workshops focused on best practices in player protection, featuring interactive Q&A sessions, while dedicated panels addressed regulatory frameworks, ensuring actionable takeaways for industry leaders.

Industry Collaboration and Regulatory Support

The growing involvement of regulators and health organizations highlighted ESGW24’s increasing influence. Their participation underscored the campaign’s role in fostering a safer gambling environment through policy discussions and shared best practices.

EGBA Secretary-General Maarten Haijer praised the campaign’s success, emphasizing the importance of collective action. Haijer stated:

Through this collaboration, we’ve reached a record number of Europeans with crucial safety messages during the campaign. Together, we’re making gambling safer, and we already look forward to building on this success in next year’s edition.

Joint initiatives with national regulators and public health bodies paved the way for more unified campaigns in the future. This collaboration is expected to drive stronger policy enforcement and better compliance within the industry.

Challenges and Future Goals

Despite its considerable achievements, EGBA acknowledged the persistent challenge of reshaping public perceptions of gambling. As Haijer noted, the association alone cannot resolve the industry’s “image issue.” Nonetheless, EGBA remains committed to advocating for policy reforms and urging regulators and industry stakeholders to curb black market gambling operations that continue to impact the sector negatively.

Looking ahead, ESGW24 aims to expand its coverage even further, with plans to engage new regions and strengthen its partnerships with consumer advocacy groups. Additional campaigns focusing on youth gambling education and mental health support services are already being considered.

By addressing these challenges and maintaining its collaborative approach, ESGW24 is poised for even greater success in the coming years.

Trends in Online Gambling and Addiction Across Europe

The European online gambling market has experienced significant growth, with revenues reaching €24.5 billion in 2019 and projections estimating €33.6 billion by 2025. This expansion has been accompanied by a rise in online gambling participation, with varying prevalence rates across different countries. For instance, studies have shown that online gambling participation rates range from 16% in France to 34% in Italy.

However, this growth has also led to increased concerns about gambling addiction. The prevalence of problem gambling among European adults varies between 0.3% and 6.4%, depending on the country.

The accessibility of online gambling platforms has been identified as a contributing factor to these rates, as the convenience of gambling from home can lead to higher engagement and potential addiction.

Emerging forms of online gambling, such as e-sports betting, have also gained popularity, particularly among younger demographics. For example, participation in e-sports betting is higher in countries like Italy (34%) and Poland (23%) compared to France and Switzerland, where it is less than 2%.

This trend raises concerns about the potential for increased gambling-related problems among youth.

In response to these challenges, initiatives like ESGW24 play a crucial role in promoting safer gambling practices and raising awareness about the risks associated with online gambling. By fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, regulators, and health organizations, such campaigns aim to mitigate the negative impacts of online gambling and support individuals affected by gambling addiction.

CoinPoker: Transforming Online Poker with Blockchain Technology

CoinPoker is reshaping the online poker landscape by merging blockchain technology and cryptocurrency into its gaming platform. Since its launch in 2017, it has become a preferred destination for poker enthusiasts seeking a secure and transparent environment. While poker remains its core offering, CoinPoker has also ventured into limited sports betting, strengthening its foothold in the global online gambling scene.

Revolutionizing Online Poker Through Blockchain

Initially offering free poker games, CoinPoker evolved into a real-money platform by 2018, integrating major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and its native CHP token. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, CoinPoker emphasizes user privacy, security, and gameplay transparency.

One of its key innovations is a blockchain-based Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring fair and tamper-proof gameplay. This feature has become a cornerstone of its platform, attracting players who value transparency and trust, cementing CoinPoker’s status as a leader in blockchain-powered poker.

Ensuring Financial Security with Proof of Reserves

To reinforce financial trust, CoinPoker employs a Proof of Reserves (PoR) system. This guarantees that all player funds are securely backed and kept separate from operational resources. As of now, CoinPoker holds $16.75 million in reserves, covering $16 million in player deposits—a solid coverage rate of 105%.

Operating under a Curaçao eGaming license, CoinPoker adheres to strict regulatory standards, ensuring a safe and compliant gaming environment.

Commitment to Fair Play and Responsible Gaming

Fair play and responsible gaming form the foundation of CoinPoker’s mission. Its blockchain-driven RNG guarantees fairness, while a robust anti-fraud system enhances player confidence. The platform also offers responsible gaming features such as self-exclusion and session limits, helping users manage their gaming habits. A dedicated responsible gaming officer oversees compliance and player welfare.

CoinPoker’s portfolio extends beyond poker, offering competitive sports betting odds and mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling gaming on the go.

Fast, Secure, and Private Crypto Transactions

CoinPoker simplifies cryptocurrency transactions, enabling fast and private deposits and withdrawals. By bypassing traditional banking systems, players enjoy efficient and discreet transactions, appealing to those valuing privacy.

Community Engagement Through Events and Partnerships

Community involvement plays a central role in CoinPoker’s growth. Regular events, giveaways, and collaborations with poker ambassadors strengthen its community and boost visibility.

For instance, Bobby James secured fifth place at the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event, winning $271,400. CoinPoker celebrated this success with a special giveaway. Another ambassador, Patrick Leonard, finished 28th in the same event, earning $26,600. These achievements underscore CoinPoker’s close ties with top-tier poker professionals and its dedication to player engagement.

Shaping the Future of Online Gaming

Although CoinPoker may not feature the vast range of options found on larger platforms, it excels at integrating blockchain technology with online poker. Its emphasis on privacy, transparency, and fairness provides a compelling alternative to traditional poker sites.

For players seeking an innovative, secure, and community-driven gaming experience, CoinPoker stands out as a trailblazer in online poker. Its blockchain and cryptocurrency integration positions it at the forefront of the evolving online gaming industry.

Discover CoinPoker today and experience the perfect blend of technology and poker.