Zona de Azar Switzerland – European Lottery: President´s Perspective

Switzerland.- April, 17 2020 www.zonadeazar.com  The European Lottery: President´s Perspective

Dear Members, Dear Partners, Dear Friends,

As I am writing to you, Europe and the whole world is facing the outbreak and pandemic spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In just a few weeks, businesses and society have come to an almost full stand still in an attempt to halt its spread. The consequences and never before seen measures to deal with this crisis are being felt globally. The lottery sector has been hit hard and EL members are feeling the strain as retailers close their doors and draws postponed or cancelled.

The impact of this outbreak cannot be overlooked yet. With no doubt, it puts a shadow on the 2020 developments in the lottery sector. From EL’s side, earlier in March, the Executive Committee already took the decision to postpone all EL seminar and events until 1 July. Furthermore, it has been decided that the EL Industry Days in June will not take place this year due to the uncertain situation. EL, as well as our Partners and hosting Lottery Camelot believe this decision was taken in the best interest of the health and safety of all.

On a more positive note, EL is working hard to unite members and support their efforts during this difficult time. The Data & Research Working Group and the EL team are monitoring the COVID-19 effects on lottery members by collecting data on mitigation measures taken to counter-fight the negative effects on their businesses. These results will help us better understand the broader context of the pandemic and potentially learn some inspiring mitigation steps taken by others.

EL under the leadership of its Operational Risk and Assurance (ORA) Working Group has also already produced an overview of operational business continuity elements that could be – and many of them already are – implemented by individual lotteries to enhance their capability of an effective response. While the current situation is certainly a challenging one, it could also be embraced as an opportunity for lotteries to further enhance their digital transformation, as well as their operational and overall business resilience.

EL itself is taking steps in these digital opportunities that arise right now. With the postponed seminars programme, the EL staff are working under the guidance of the Secretary General on a first phase of an EL e-learning platform. This will bring the educational activities right into a smart working environment. Hopefully the platform can be launched in a few weeks from now.

The monitoring and advocating work of EL also goes on. At EU level, the European Parliament recently approved the first EU wide measures to help people and business deal with the impact of the corona outbreak. The Parliament fully supports the measures being taken by the EU to help Member States deal with the pandemic and mitigate its effects. I am pleased to see countries working together with a clear sense of community spirit.

Although the top priority for the European Commission is responding to COVID-19, key policy developments and proposals, relevant for the lottery sector continue to move forward, namely the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Artificial Intelligence. EL continues to monitor these topics and earlier this year, already sent a letter to Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market on the future of the DSA. EL considers this to be an extremely important initiative, as it will be a key piece in the creation of new and more effective rules for the digital era we live in, upgrading the EU’s liability and safety rules for digital platforms, services and products.

Finally, I would like to turn your attention to some Association highlights from the beginning of this year. In this first edition of the 2020 EL magazine, you will read about our successful Marketing Seminar in London and our Communications Seminar in Munich. Both events brought together inspiring speakers and were again opportunities for the exchange of best practices and knowledge sharing.

I would also like to give a special thanks and farewell to EL’s Deputy Secretary General Jutta Buyse who leaves the Association after 11 years. During this time Jutta led the public affairs work for EL and brought her expertise and insight on the workings of the EU to respond to important Commission consultations and proposals in a timely and professional manner. Jutta will be sorely missed, and I personally wish her much success in her future endeavours.

I leave you with a positive outlook during these unprecedented times. As we know, historically lotteries have always played an important role in responding to emergency situations where funding is needed. I am proud to say that many of our members are treating this crisis no differently – providing their valuable support and financial contributions for the benefit of society. Myself, the Executive Committee and the EL team are ready to offer support to all members during this difficult moment.

Take care and stay safe.

Yours Sincerely,
Hansjörg Höltkemeier
EL President

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