On February 5, 2025, the European Parliament in Brussels hosted a significant event titled “Digital Responsibility: Safeguarding Minors Online.” Organized by the European Lotteries (EL), this gathering brought together European decision-makers, including MEPs, Commission representatives, and key stakeholders to address the critical issue of protecting minors in the digital space12. The event, hosted by MEP Fulvio Martusciello, aimed to explore strategies for creating a safer online environment for young users, with a particular focus on the lottery sector’s best practices.
The event’s agenda covered several crucial topics, including the future Digital Fairness Act, the European Commission’s anticipated guidelines on protecting minors online, and the enforcement of the Digital Services Act1. Participants also discussed the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on safeguarding minors online. A key highlight was the keynote speech by Joeri Van den Bergh, a Future Consumer Expert, who presented insights on understanding Generation Z in today’s digital landscape1.
For the lottery sector, this event held significant implications. The European Lotteries and its members advocated for implementing robust age verification systems, responsible advertising practices, and education campaigns to protect minors from potential harms associated with online gambling2. The organization called for a balanced, risk-based approach to gambling advertising, regulated at the national level, with stricter rules applied to higher-risk gambling activities compared to lower-risk options like lottery games2.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration between policymakers, regulators, and society to establish a comprehensive framework for protecting minors online. For lotteries, this means adapting to evolving digital landscapes while prioritizing responsible practices and consumer protection. The discussions at this event are likely to influence future policies and regulations in the EU, potentially shaping how lotteries operate in the digital space, particularly in terms of age verification, marketing practices, and online safeguards for younger users2.