EGBA supports common e-ID verification approach 

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has given its support to the European Commission’s proposal for member states to adopt a ‘European electronic identity wallets’, e-ID. 

Reforming the EU’s current ‘eIDAS’ regulation, the EC has proposed that EU public and private sector organisations should offer EU citizens the right to verify their identity through a common e-ID system.

Recognising benefits for developing a ‘more common approach to identity verification processes across the EU’s digital sectors’, the EGBA has stated its support for the EC’s proposal.  

The EGBA outlined benefits for online gambling firms, as e-ID verification would streamline differing compliance and KYC procedures across EU online gambling jurisdictions.

“A standardised identity verification method would particularly help reduce administrative and compliance costs for those online gambling operators who operate across multiple European jurisdictions,” the EGBA statement read.

The EGBA noted further e-ID industry benefits with regards to simplifying customer compliance procedures for high-risk services and in supporting national regulatory agencies to combat money laundering.

The trade association relayed the positive feedback of 14 EU states that had adopted e-ID schemes, helping the EC Commission set a target that 80% of EU citizens use e-ID by 2030.

“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,” commented Ekaterina Hartmann, EGBA Director.

“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.”