EU standards body the European Committee of Standardisation (CEN) will develop a common European standard for markers of harm for online gambling.

The European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA) submitted the proposal with the aim of “supporting safer online gambling and strengthening player protection in Europe.” The motion – submitted by the trade body in December – came after a number of academics signed an open letter in support of the development of such a standard.

In April, EGBA announced the outcome of a study which found “significant differences” between European countries in how markers of harm were defined and monitored.

Markers of harm can be used to identify risky or harmful gambling activities by monitoring certain aspects of the player’s behaviour.