Africa and Europe confront shared lottery challenges at EL Industry Days 2026
Lottery leaders meeting in Morocco highlighted common priorities ranging from AI and digital transformation to responsible gaming and illegal gambling, underscoring the need for cross-border cooperation.
Morocco.- Lottery operators across Africa and Europe are navigating shared challenges ranging from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to responsible gaming and illegal gambling, highlighting the growing need for collaboration across borders.
Those issues were among the key topics discussed at the 2026 European Lotteries (EL) Industry Days in Morocco, where more than 300 lottery executives, experts and stakeholders from across the two continents gathered under the theme “Lotteries Bridging Continents“. The event was hosted by Société de Gestion de la Loterie Nationale (SGLN), with support from the African Lotteries Association (ALA) and industry partners.
According to an official post-event report published on the EL website on June 11, lotteries across Africa and Europe face many of the same priorities and challenges despite operating in different markets and regulatory environments.
The EL said: “Throughout the programme, a recurring theme emerged: while lotteries operate in different markets and regulatory environments, many of the challenges and ambitions they face are shared.”
The organisation added that cooperation across borders and continents remains essential to strengthening the sector’s collective impact and responding to an evolving environment.
Discussions focused on advancing societal impact, leveraging new technologies and tackling irresponsible and illegal practices. Keynote speaker Jim Steele reinforced the cooperation theme, stating that organisations achieve lasting results when “strategic intent is translated into coordinated action and shared purpose.”
Digital transformation and artificial intelligence were among the topics discussed during the event, with delegates exploring how lotteries can create seamless omnichannel experiences while maintaining public trust and delivering societal value.
A key message from these discussions was that “innovation and impact must go hand in hand”, while trust remains one of the lottery sector’s most valuable assets as operators adapt to changing player expectations.
Safeguarding lottery market integrity
Beyond innovation, delegates also focused on the risks facing regulated lottery markets, particularly the rise of illegal gambling.
Illegal gambling emerged as a major theme, with speakers warning of the risks posed by unlicensed operators to consumers and regulated markets. Delegates noted that illegal operators often target vulnerable consumers and create unfair competition for licensed operators.
The event highlighted EL’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling and its pilot project with White Bullet, aimed at strengthening monitoring and enforcement cooperation across jurisdictions. Final results from the project are expected later this year and will help guide future actions to tackle illegal and irresponsible online gambling activities.
Responsible gaming remained a core priority, with the EL General Assembly adopting updated Responsible Gaming Standards aimed at strengthening player protection and public trust.
The event also explored prediction markets and their regulatory implications, reflecting the evolving nature of the gaming sector. Across all sessions, one message remained clear: lotteries are strongest when they work together, share knowledge and address common priorities and challenges collectively.
