A year of focus and progress

In this dynamic global context, our work to address these issues was guided by the strategy adopted in 2024 and by a clear mandate to support our members in delivering secure, responsible and sustainable operations for the benefit of so-ciety, and to strengthen the WLA’s position as the global association for lotteries and sports betting.

Responsible Gaming as a priority

Responsible Gaming was a key focus, with the continued roll-out of Project RED, to assist member organizations in strengthening their player protection and responsible gaming programs and realizing a Responsible, Ethical and Dynamic industry. The Project is accessible through the DigitalRG.com platform, and provides practical tools, best practices, benchmarking and structured support.

An important milestone was reached with the endorsement of the new WLA Corporate Responsibility Strategy. Developed through extensive consultation with members and expert groups, the strategy is aligned with the overall strategy plan and provides a strong and shared framework to further strengthen Responsible Gaming across the WLA community. It supports members in continuously improving their programs and reinforces the WLA’s role as a global reference point for Responsible Gaming within the lottery and gambling sector, as well as reflects our collective commitment to player protection, sustainability and long-term trust.

Security and trust

In an increasingly digital environment, security is essential to maintaining trust. Following the release of the updated WLA Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS:2024), WLA supported its implementation through webinars, regional seminars and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Security and Risk Management Committee played an important role in helping members address cyber risks, cloud and supply-chain challenges, and the impact of new technologies.

Integrity and combating illegal gambling

Protecting integrity and combating illegal operators remain core priorities. Following a key case in Texas, the WLA Combating Illegal Lotteries Committee issued a position paper on bulk purchases and courier models, providing timely guidance where large-scale ticket buying can undermine trust in regulated lotteries.

Our Global Initiative in partnership with the University of Lausanne, to develop a standardized and reliable method to Size Illegal Gambling Markets, continued to progress, with the identification of tools and models, the establishment of clear KPIs to measure effectiveness and reliability, and the start of multi-jurisdiction testing, to assess consistency, compliance, and scalability.

Knowledge and cooperation

We continued to strengthen our information and knowledge services, achieving a major milestone with the release of the fully digital Global Lottery Data Compendium, supported by an international webinar with participants from more than 30 countries.

We also launched a new initiative to address the player group of emerging adults and related gambling risk, which requires particular attention across all markets. A dedicated microsite, developed with experts from the University of East Carolina, brings together research, resources and practical examples from WLA membership.

Remembering service and contribution

It was also a year of reflection. We were deeply saddened by the passing of Reidar Nordby Jr., a valued member of the WLA community who will be remembered for his integrity and commitment to the social value of regulated lotteries.

Looking ahead

At the same time, during this important interim year, following the successful World Lottery Summit 2024, in Paris, significant preparations were made for the next WLA Summit, to be held in Sydney in November 2026.

I would like to thank all WLA members, partners, committees and the WLA team for their dedication and cooperation throughout 2025. The progress achieved shows that by setting standards, sharing knowledge and working together, we strengthen trust and our ability to deliver positive impact worldwide. I look forward to continuing this work with you in 2026.