The WLA and EL Sustainability and Responsible Gaming Conference, which took place in Dublin from September 25-27, was attended by lottery professionals, sustainability experts, and industry leaders from across the globe.
During her welcome address, WLA President, Rebecca Paul highlighted the fact that CSR covers many aspects that impact the global lottery and sports betting ecosystem, and is increasingly important to our industry, noting:
“Much is already being done, but the work continues to evolve with our ever-changing player demographics, technologies and other external trends. The different pillars of CSR provide a framework to help us benefit many people and global societies in ways that go beyond raising funds for good causes.”
Co-moderated by Laura Da Silva, Sustainability Director of DigitalRG.com, and Jennifer Crowe, Head of Corporate Affairs at Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), focused on how lotteries can become more socially and environmentally responsible and how the gaming industry can drive real change by integrating sustainability into its core operations.
Lotteries achieving environmental sustainable
Nicola Woods, Chief Transformation Officer at An Post, Ireland, delivered an inspiring keynote in which she highlighted An Post’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, underscoring how their emission-free deliveries and nationwide postcard campaign during COVID-19 positively impacted communities across Ireland. Woods also noted that sustainability isn’t just about policies but about meaningful action that improves lives and builds a better future.
The power of lived experience in responsible gaming
While technology, sustainability, and innovation were central themes throughout the event, the voice of lived experience took centre stage. Michelle Malkin, Director of the Gambling Research Policy Initiative at East Carolina University, gave her keynote on the gambling-related harms experienced by marginalized communities. Malkin highlighted the stark realities faced by women, LGBTQ+, and other under-researched groups, emphasizing the need for tailored, responsible gaming strategies. Her research shed light on the social complexities and vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed, urging the industry to adopt more inclusive approaches.
Blockchain, AI, and sustainability: The future of lotteries
One of the more futuristic topics was covered by Vincenzo Rana from Knobs, Italy, who delved into the implications of Web3 and blockchain for the gambling industry. His session illuminated the transformative potential of these technologies, from enhancing transparency to revolutionizing player engagement through decentralized systems.
The role of AI in responsible gaming was another hot topic. Dr. Kasra Ghaharian of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, delivered a keynote on the ethical considerations of using AI in gambling. He explored how AI can be both a solution and a challenge, particularly when it comes to protecting players from harm, while balancing the benefits of innovation.
Silvia Chioggia from Sisal SpA in Italy and Annika Hjälm from Svenska Spel in Sweden presented on how AI is already being used to identify risky behavior in players. Chioggia highlighted Sisal's Anti-Dependence Algorithm (ADA), a tool that uses behavioral data to identify potentially harmful gambling patterns in real-time. This proactive use of AI demonstrates how the industry can harness cutting-edge technology to create safer gambling environments.
Lotteries as drivers of environmental change
The conference also tackled the environmental impact of lottery operations. Stefan Wayand from LOTTO Hessen shared the success of their “GENAU” lottery, which supports environmental causes, while Virginie Pasnin from Lottotech in Mauritius discussed how their lottery responded to an oil spill with a conservation-focused scratch card game. These presentations emphazied that lotteries have the power to entertain and contribute to solving urgent global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change.
A panel on supply chain sustainability, included key industry players such as IGT, Scientific Games, and Pollard Banknote. The panellists discussed decarbonization efforts, waste management, and the increasing demand for transparency in the environmental impact of supply chains. Collaboration and a willingness to innovate were emphasized as essential for achieving meaningful change.
Call to action
The conference was a clear call to action for lotteries to not only meet regulatory standards but to become true leaders in creating positive societal impact.
Participants left with actionable strategies and renewed commitment to integrating sustainability and responsible gaming into every facet of their operations, and the EL sustainability guidelines, were made available to all lotteries, provide a practical tool for change.
WLA members can download the Conference presentations as pdfs on the WLA events page (password protected).