At this meeting, the representatives of these authorities had the opportunity to present the situation of their respective gaming markets, as well as the main regulatory developments that occurred or are expected to occur in the immediate future. The measures adopted in the common effort to reduce illegal gambling will also be presented at the meeting, as well as possible avenues for future collaboration.

On the other hand, the start of the World Cup in Qatar, which will take place this weekend, was also the subject of particular analysis given the impact that an event of such universal dimensions will have on the gaming markets. In this, the regulators of Spain, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom and Germany adopted a joint declaration in which they committed to close cooperation with the tournament to guarantee the best protection for consumers and whose text in Spanish reads as follows:

“Statement by the gaming regulators of France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom on the 2022 FIFA World Cup: FIFA World Cup 2022

This weekend we will see the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

We recognize that this is one of the largest and highest level tournaments in the world and therefore betting activity is likely to increase. As regulators, we play a key role in ensuring that consumers are protected throughout the tournament.

Working closely together during this period, we are engaged in oversight of the gaming market to ensure that advertising, betting integrity and consumer protection regulations are followed by operators. Throughout the tournament in Qatar, this will mean increased cross-border cooperation, in particular through the exchange of information, expertise and best practice.

In order to increase awareness of the risks around gaming damage, we will also be increasing our activity on social media during the tournament to promote how people can play safely.”