Moderator Laura Da Silva, Founder, digitalRG, the Platform used by WLA members to complete RG certification, stressed the importance of the event for exchanging ideas, measuring impact, and defining the next generation of responsible and sustainable gaming leadership.
In her opening address, Sarah Taylor, Chair of the WLA CSR Committee, noted some key factors that continue to impact state authorized lottery and sports betting operators, including prediction markets, unlicensed operators, and the deployment of artificial intelligence.
“Our industry must always respond with collaboration, excellence, innovation and integrity across the gaming ecosystem, because trust is the foundation on which our entire sector thrives.”
Taylor went on to explain that players, communities, and stakeholders were holding operators to a higher standard than in previous years, and that trust was not automatic, rather earned partly through what was given back to societies.
WLA member lotteries and sports betting operators contributed just over USD 94 billion to good causes in FY 2024 alone.
“We protect players because it's who we are.”
Taylor underscored the importance of the WLA Certification program at the heart of player protection, adding that there was closer alignment between the European and North American regions on RG certification, and the strengthening of the Independent Assessment Panel for WLA RG certification, with new experts joining, to increase its credibility.
In his opening address, Piet Van Baeveghem, EL Secretary General, noted the importance for gaming to remain safe, sustainable and focused on player protection.
Rosangela Robbiani, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Sisal, host lottery, welcomed the audience and highlighted the important work of Sisal and its 80th anniversary.
WLA global CSR and RG initiatives to support members
Lucile Goulard, WLA Deputy Executive Director, and Mélissa AZAM, WLA CSR & Security Coordinator, provided updates on WLA CSR and RG activities.
Record RG certification submissions in 2025, resulted from the digitalRG support initiative and mandatory progression of members from level 1 to 2 within 18 months of joining. The 2026 May submissions round showed a strong majority of applicants at Level 2, with an emerging progression toward higher maturity levels, reached by several members.
Key ongoing work for learning and capability‑building
Project Red – built on collective learning and benchmarking across the global WLA membership, it provides a global intelligence and benchmarking database. It enables peer comparisons, trend analysis and access to concrete member practices.
Developed on the DigitalRG Platform, users can access case studies, and benefit from cross‑regional exchange through the network directory.
This tool helps leaders understand where they stand in relation to peers with similar profiles.
Reaching Emerging Adults – Emerging adults (18–24) represent a distinct global risk profile shaped by digitalization, social media and major life transitions. These risks require evidence‑based and internationally informed responses.
WLA has partnered with the East Carolina University Gambling Research and Policy Initiative (GRPI) and launched the Reaching Emerging Adults, dedicated microsite and research hub providing:
- Cross‑regional and comparative research
- Practical tools and communication resources
- Dedicated screening and risk‑understanding materials for operators and stakeholders.
“This initiative shifts Responsible Gaming from reactive compliance to anticipatory governance. It strengthens credibility with regulators, policymakers and public health stakeholders.”
Play for Society – is a way for WLA to recognize and showcase the inspirational and important work members carry out, raising funds for good causes. Without these funds, many worthy causes and communities would not receive the vital support they need.
Responsible Gaming Awards – recognize impactful, innovative and scalable RG initiatives; promote best practices and peer learning among WLA Regular Members, as well as focus on real‑world impact, measurable results, and RG alignment.
Award winners will be revealed at the World Lottery Summit, in Sydney for the following categories:
- Player Engagement – Youth & Young Adults
- Employee Engagement
- Retailer Engagement
Celebrating WLA Responsible Gaming certification
WLA Responsible Gaming certification (Levels 2-4) is at the core of WLA CSR activities and allows successful applicants to demonstrate that they adhere to the industry’s highest standards.
During the Seminar, WLA took the opportunity to acknowledge this achievement. The following lotteries accepted their awards:
- Hellenic Lotteries, Greece (Level 4)
- LONASE, Senegal (Level 2)
- Lotto New Zealand (Level 4)
- Singapore Pools (Level 4)
- Sisal Sans,Turkey (Level 4)
Supplier insights
Scientific Games
Andrew Jackson, Vice President Corporate Responsibility, Scientific Games, UK, presented on the theme of Building responsible lotteries through partnership and explained how Scientific Games supports lotteries in meeting sustainability, responsible gaming and regulatory requirements.
"Suppliers influence a significant share of the environmental footprint, make product-design decisions that affect player protection, and hold much of the vidence lotteries need for regulatory compliance."
The Scientific Games Sustainability Programme covers:
- Emission reduction
- Life cycle analysis
- Waste control
- Supply chain evidence
Pollard Banknote
Kelley-Jaye Rosberg, Vice President, iLottery Operations, and Games, and Julia Cloutier, Senior Director Sales and Marketing, Pollard Banknote, US and Canada, presented on the theme of Informed Play is Better Play, highlighting that Pollard’s vision is to be the partner of choice to help its lottery and charitable gaming customers responsibly grow revenue for good causes through outstanding games, retail excellence and digital innovation.
This corporate and responsible gaming philosophy considers retail, games, digital engagement, online play, and predictive risk modeling, which allows a holistic view of players and personalized support.
Brightstar
Jade Luchauer, Director of Global Responsible Gaming and Community, Brightstar Lottery, Rhode Island, US, presented on Innovation and Continuous Improvement – How a supplier Support its Customers, noting that player protection improves when technology, people, evidence and continuous improvement work as one system, the same four threads that run through the Brightstar global responsible gaming model.
The 3 key areas include:
- Awareness – Positive play and risk management – to buildunderstanding and help players make informed decisions.
- Protection – of Vulnerable populations and underageindividuals – by embedding safeguards and reducegambling-related risk.
- Support – from internal and external partners – to connectexpertise, customers and stakeholders around player protection.
