Responsible gaming and gambling is something that both countries and the regulatory bodies within them are pushing for, with addiction being crippling to vast amounts of the population.
Scientific Games has been one of the few that has gone all in on this, and it has paid off once more with the company earning re-certification from the World Lottery Association (WLA) for its commitment to responsible gaming, following an independent international audit of its global operations.
Commitment to responsible gaming
Scientific Games first achieved WLA certification in 2015 at its European operations and has since maintained compliance through various re-certification processes.
In fact, in 2022, the company further expanded its responsible gaming efforts with the launch of its Healthy Play program, designed to provide lotteries with tools, education, and best practices to promote responsible gaming.
The WLA certification process assesses key areas such as research initiatives, employee training, product development, advertising ethics, and regulatory engagement.
The audit determined that Scientific Games not only met the minimum required standards set by WLA for responsible gaming certification, but exceeded them, showcasing the investment made.
Industry recognition and future outlook
Mélissa Azam, Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for WLA, praised Scientific Games for its proactive approach:
“Scientific Games has successfully integrated responsible gaming research and tools into its online platforms. This demonstrates a clear understanding of its responsibilities as a gaming supplier focused on harm minimization and ethical gaming practices.”
Scientific Games CEO Pat McHugh emphasized the company’s continued investment in responsible gaming strategies:
“Our WLA global re-certification reinforces our commitment to responsible gaming innovation. Through our Healthy Play program, we are equipping lottery customers with the necessary tools to enhance public trust and drive impactful responsible gaming efforts.”
Global expansion and industry impact
The company recently secured a 10-year contract with the New Mexico Lottery and maintains key partnerships with European operators such as FDJ in France and Allwyn, the UK’s national lottery license holder.
Additionally, Scientific Games is reportedly linked to a potential joint bid for Italy’s national lottery license alongside Flutter Entertainment and private equity firm Brookfield. If confirmed, the partnership would involve collaboration with Sisal, Flutter’s Italian lottery brand, with a bid deadline set for 17 March 2025.
With its latest WLA accreditation, Scientific Games remains at the forefront of responsible gaming initiatives, reinforcing its role as a trusted supplier in an industry facing increasing regulatory scrutiny.
