Appointed as EL Secretary General since July 2025, I take on my role with pride and purpose. Lotteries are far more than games of chance — they are instruments of solidarity, and community building. All EU Member States have different types of state lotteries or lotteries licensed by the competent authorities. These lotteries should be recognised for their contribution to society.
Solidarity at Europe’s core
Europe today faces multiple challenges — from geopolitical tension to social fragmentation — and in such times, trust between citizens, institutions, and society is vital. Solidarity and unity must guide our efforts to overcome division and strengthen democracy.
Our members - national lotteries in Europe - embody these principles. They operate only in jurisdictions in which they are licensed by the state and comply with the legal requirements. They act as the most responsible operators in each jurisdiction in an evidence-based way.
Our goal is to make sure the European lottery model is preserved and protected – ensuring lotteries remain trusted partners to continue to benefit to society
Yet, this responsible lottery model – built on equal chances, integrity and transparency – faces increasing pressure. Illegal and unregulated operators threaten consumer protection and public confidence, undermining trust and the public good.
A model rooted in European values
The European lottery model is simple: millions of citizens participate in a low-risk draw - of whatever kind - for a small amount of money, with chance alone determining who wins. As a model based on chance only, it stands for equality and equal opportunities for all citizens. It also stands for integrity and embraces honesty and transparency in operations and financial flows.
It is a model founded on responsibility and sustainability – not only in HOW people participate, but also in terms of HOW the proceeds flow back to society. It builds a sense of community between all participants and those benefiting from the proceeds. The model stands for solidarity and democracy.
In the words of Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the EU , ‘’lotteries are part of the social fabric of the EU”, because of their contributions to the public good and their integration in society. Lotteries play a responsible role towards players, but also towards charities supported by lotteries.
As a model based on chance only, it stands for equality and equal opportunities for all citizens. It also stands for integrity and embraces honesty and transparency in operations and financial flows
This is not new. In 1984, former Italian MEP Pietro Adonnino’s Committee for a People’s Europe proposed a Europe-wide lottery to fund cultural projects — recognising lotteries as tools for community building and for bringing Europe closer to its citizens.
Hope, unity and recognition
Lotteries are organised for the benefit of society and should not be viewed solely from an economic or internal market perspective. Already in 2010 the Council of the EU agreed that the specific role of lotteries for society should be recognised in discussions at the European level.
Former European Council President Herman Van Rompuy reminded us during our EL Congress in September that: “the direct or indirect financing of good and important social causes also deserves recognition in the European discussions on future constitutional structures. After all, Europe is more than just an economic area. We need humanity and those values more than ever.”
Lotteries deserve recognition and protection for what they truly are: a pillar of EU civil space. By modernising while staying true to our mission, and by working closely with EU institutions and relevant stakeholders, our goal is to make sure the European lottery model is preserved and protected – ensuring lotteries remain trusted partners to continue to benefit to society.
The European Lotteries (EL) is the largest representative European umbrella organisation in the field of gambling, representing 70 members across 40 European countries (50 members in the EU and 20 in non-EU Member States), who operate their services for the public benefit. In 2024, EL members secured more than €23 billion for society and directly supported valuable projects related to sport, cultural heritage, art, health care, individuals with disabilities, education, science and many other good causes.
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