IGT recertified by WLA for responsible gaming standards

International Game Technology (IGT) has proudly announced the recertification of its lottery and iLottery operations by the World Lottery Association (WLA) for adhering to WLA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Responsible Gaming Framework for Suppliers. This prestigious global accreditation underscores IGT’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Significance of the WLA Certification

The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Framework is a globally recognized program designed for gaming operators and suppliers. Its primary goal is to mitigate the adverse effects of problem gambling by promoting responsible gaming practices. Certification from the WLA serves as an industry benchmark, demonstrating a company’s adherence to ethical principles, commitment to player protection, and support for sustainable gaming practices.

By achieving this certification, IGT reaffirms its alignment with WLA’s stringent standards. This milestone not only strengthens IGT’s reputation as a responsible gaming leader but also emphasizes its dedication to fostering a sustainable and ethical gaming environment.

Statement from IGT Leadership

Wendy Montgomery, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at IGT, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating:

“WLA’s recertification of IGT’s lottery and iLottery operations validates our responsible gaming industry leadership and our ongoing commitment to providing our lottery customers worldwide with effective responsible gaming technologies. Advancing Responsibility is a key pillar in IGT’s Sustainable Play program and serves as a guiding principle for everything we do. We operate with the highest level of integrity to protect our people, products, and processes, and this certification endorses those efforts.”

Montgomery’s statement underscores IGT’s unwavering commitment to corporate ethics and sustainability, which are foundational elements of its business strategy.

The Assessment Process

Achieving recertification is a rigorous process that reflects the depth of a company’s dedication to responsible gaming and CSR. The WLA certification process includes an extensive evaluation conducted by WLA-approved assessors, such as Gambling Integrity Services. For IGT, the assessment involved a detailed examination of its lottery operations to ensure compliance with WLA’s eight key standards:

• Research: Conducting comprehensive studies to understand gambling behaviors and develop evidence-based policies.
• Employee Programs: Implementing training and support initiatives to educate employees about responsible gaming practices.
• Product and Service Development: Ensuring that gaming products and services are designed with features that promote responsible play.
• Remote Gaming Environment: Creating a safe and controlled digital environment for online gaming.
• Advertising and Marketing Communications: Adhering to ethical advertising practices that prevent exploitation and promote responsible gaming messages.
• Client Awareness: Educating customers on the risks of problem gambling and available support resources.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with stakeholders, including regulators and advocacy groups, to promote responsible gaming.
• Reporting: Maintaining transparency by documenting and sharing progress in responsible gaming efforts.

After the comprehensive assessment, Gambling Integrity Services produced an independent auditor’s report confirming IGT’s alignment with these rigorous standards, resulting in the recertification.

IGT’s Commitment to Responsible Gaming

As part of its broader sustainability strategy, IGT’s “Sustainable Play” program places responsible gaming at its core. The program is designed to balance the company’s business objectives with its social responsibilities, ensuring that gaming remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all participants.

IGT actively integrates responsible gaming features into its technologies and services. For instance, its iLottery platforms are equipped with tools that help players set time and spending limits, promoting responsible play habits. Additionally, the company regularly collaborates with stakeholders to address emerging challenges in the gaming industry and refine its strategies for player protection.

The Broader Impact of Certification

The recertification by the WLA has far-reaching implications for IGT’s operations and the gaming industry at large. It reinforces the importance of prioritizing player safety and ethical practices as integral components of business success. For customers and stakeholders, the certification offers assurance that IGT operates with integrity and accountability, fostering trust and confidence in its services.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, companies like IGT are setting benchmarks for responsible gaming and CSR practices. Their efforts not only enhance the industry’s reputation but also contribute to its long-term sustainability by addressing critical social and ethical concerns.

Looking Ahead

IGT’s recertification serves as both a recognition of its past efforts and a call to action for future initiatives. The company remains committed to advancing responsible gaming practices and expanding its influence in fostering a sustainable gaming ecosystem worldwide. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, IGT aims to remain at the forefront of responsible gaming and CSR leadership.

Conclusion

The recertification of IGT’s lottery and iLottery operations by the WLA is a testament to the company’s dedication to ethical practices, player protection, and corporate responsibility. As the gaming industry faces increasing scrutiny, certifications like this highlight the importance of maintaining high standards and prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders.

FAQs

What is the WLA Responsible Gaming Framework?
The WLA Responsible Gaming Framework is a globally recognized program that sets standards for gaming operators and suppliers to promote responsible gaming and minimize problem gambling.

Why is WLA certification important for IGT?
WLA certification validates IGT’s commitment to responsible gaming, ethical practices, and player protection, enhancing its reputation in the gaming industry.

What is IGT’s Sustainable Play program?
The Sustainable Play program is IGT’s initiative to integrate responsible gaming practices into its operations while balancing business objectives and social responsibilities.

How does WLA assess companies for certification?
The WLA uses independent auditors to evaluate companies based on eight key standards, including research, advertising ethics, employee programs, and stakeholder engagement.

What technologies does IGT use to promote responsible gaming?
IGT incorporates features like time and spending limits in its iLottery platforms to help players maintain control over their gaming habits.

Who conducted IGT’s WLA assessment?
The assessment was conducted by Gambling Integrity Services, a WLA-approved assessor.

What are the benefits of WLA certification for stakeholders?
WLA certification assures stakeholders that the certified company adheres to ethical standards, prioritizes player safety, and promotes sustainable practices.

How does IGT engage with stakeholders on responsible gaming?
IGT collaborates with regulators, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to address challenges in the gaming industry and improve player protection.

What role does research play in IGT’s responsible gaming efforts?
Research helps IGT understand gambling behaviors and develop evidence-based policies and tools to promote responsible play.

What is the broader impact of WLA certification on the gaming industry?
WLA certification sets industry benchmarks for ethical practices, enhancing trust and sustainability in the global gaming sector.