LeoVegas Group Joins European Safer Gambling Week 2026 Programme

LeoVegas Group has confirmed its participation in European Safer Gambling Week 2026, with senior representatives set to contribute to discussions on responsible gambling, player protection and the challenges facing regulated operators.

The initiative, organised by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), will take place from 16 to 22 November under the theme Play Smart, Stay Protected. It coincides with Safer Gambling Week in the UK and Ireland, bringing together gambling operators, industry associations and other stakeholders to promote safer gambling practices.

LeoVegas Group will be represented by Director of Player Sustainability Dr Maris Catania and Managing Director Nordics Fredrik Wastenson, who will participate in a series of webinars and industry discussions throughout the week.

The company said the initiative provides an opportunity to share practical experiences, learn from other industry participants and support improvements in player protection across regulated gambling markets.

Player Protection And Risk Detection Take Centre Stage

Dr Maris Catania will contribute to five online sessions organised by EGBA, beginning with the opening webinar on Monday, 16 November.

The introductory session, Welcome to European Safer Gambling Week 2026, will outline the week's programme and introduce its central themes, including the importance of industry collaboration and responsible gambling initiatives.

On Tuesday, 17 November, Catania will moderate Growing Up Online: Young People, Gambling And Gaming, examining issues surrounding younger audiences and their exposure to gambling and gaming environments.

The following day, she will participate in Spotting The Signs: Detecting Risky Play, focusing on the identification of potentially harmful gambling behaviour. The discussion forms part of the wider industry's efforts to improve early detection and strengthen the effectiveness of player protection measures.

Catania will return on Thursday, 19 November, for From Detection To Action: Getting Players To Respond, which will address the challenge of translating risk identification into meaningful engagement with customers.

Her final appearance will take place on Friday, 20 November, during Behind The Scenes: A Day In The Life Of Safer Gambling Teams. The session will provide insight into the operational responsibilities of teams working to identify risks and support customers.

All five EGBA webinars are free to attend and will take place online between 11:00am and midday Central European Time, with the exception of Monday's opening session, which runs from 11:00am to 11:30am.

Swedish Industry Discussion To Address Unlicensed Gambling

Alongside the European webinar programme, LeoVegas Group will participate in a separate discussion organised by the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS).

Fredrik Wastenson, the company's Managing Director Nordics, will join the event in Stockholm on Wednesday, 18 November, between midday and 1:00pm Central European Time.

Titled Why Is Unlicensed Gambling Growing, And What Can We Do About It?, the discussion will examine the increasing challenges associated with gambling activity taking place outside regulated markets.

The subject has become an important consideration for licensed gambling operators and policymakers, particularly in jurisdictions where concerns have been raised about consumers accessing platforms that operate without domestic authorisation.

The Stockholm event will provide an additional perspective on safer gambling by considering the relationship between effective regulation, licensed operators and the continued availability of unlicensed gambling services.

European Industry Collaboration During Safer Gambling Week

European Safer Gambling Week is designed to encourage cooperation between gambling businesses, industry organisations and other stakeholders, with the 2026 programme addressing both emerging risks and established responsible gambling practices.

LeoVegas Group's involvement reflects its emphasis on player sustainability, with discussions covering the identification of harmful behaviour, customer engagement and the practical work undertaken by safer gambling teams.

The programme also highlights the range of challenges facing the industry, from protecting younger audiences and improving intervention strategies to addressing gambling activity outside regulated frameworks.

The events will run throughout the working week beginning 16 November, with free registration available for EGBA's online sessions through the European Safer Gambling Week programme.