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Trade group the European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA) has welcomed the European Parliament’s approval of a new EU digital identity, predicting it will provide players with a secure, trustworthy and singular option to confirm their identity in the EU.
The European Parliament announced that it had passed the new regulations for the creation of a digital identity wallet during its first reading on February 29.
Maarten Haijer, the EGBA secretary general, who has advocated for the introduction of an EU digital ID since it was proposed by the European Commission in 2021, said: “The new e-ID in our sector will lead to a more seamless and trustworthy online experience for players and help to reduce costs and administration for gambling operators.
“This innovative tool represents an important step towards building a more secure and user-friendly digital ecosystem, aligning with EGBA's core objectives of promoting integrity, transparency, and a safe, consumer-centric playing environment,” according to Haijer.
The changes will now have to be formally endorsed by the EU Council of Ministers before they can become law.
If approved, member states will be required to provide people with a standardised EU electronic identification method to allow them to identify themselves and authenticate their identity online.
A privacy dashboard will also allow users to have control of their data, with the ability to request their data be deleted, in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“The EU wallet will be used on a voluntary basis. During negotiations, MEPs secured provisions to safeguard citizens’ rights and foster an inclusive digital system by avoiding discrimination against people opting not to use the digital wallet,” according to the European Parliament’s update.
Since 2021, the EGBA said it has been encouraging EU institutions to ensure that businesses, including gambling operators, can access and use the e-ID.
