Attracting over 900 participants from 80 countries, the event will examine the theme of United in Purpose: Driving Change and Building Resilience, during the week’s business program, of topics presented by keynote speakers from diverse industries, and lottery and sports betting experts from WLA Member organizations.
WLA President, Andreas Kötter underscored the key aim of the industry in his opening address.
“Our industry exists to raise funds forgood causes used to positively impact society. It is the common thread that unites our members, who constantly aspire to deliver responsible, safe, entertaining gambling and sports betting products.”
He went on to highlight the sum of USD 417.1 billion generated by WLA Members, across our five global regions, of which USD 96.1, billion was given back to good causes in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment, health and sports.
Kötter acknowledged the WLA Platinum and Gold Contributors, lottery and sports betting operator members, Regional Association partners, WLA Executive Committee and diverse partners from across the lottery, sports betting and sports ecosystem, with whom WLA works on many important topics, before introducing the CEO of The Lottery Corporation CEO, Wayne Pickup.
Pickup underscored the uniqueness of theindustry which is set up to benefit the public good, giving back to health, sports, education, arts and nature, but which only works if operated with the highest level of integrity.
Tradeshow opens
On Monday, the tradeshow with 25 exhibitors from around the world. Kötter thanked the WLA Platinum Contributors, Bally’s Intralot, Brightstar, Pollard Banknote and Scientific Games, as well as the Gold Contributors, Aristocrat Interactive, Carmanah signs, JUMBO and OpenBet, for their ongoing support and contributions.
The new WLA Plaza area, provides a space to meet, network, learn about WLA initiatives and enjoy special activities including personalization of sneakers.
Keynotes with perspectives from other industries
Distinguished keynotes from diverse industries provided unique insights into their career journeys.
Saroo Brierley, author of A Long Way Home and inspiration behind the Film Lion told his story of survival and determination, exploring the power of resilience, determination and hope in overcoming adversity and navigating the unexpected.
Holly Ransom, globally renowned leadership speaker and interviewer drew on her experience advising global organizations and engaging with some of the world’s most influential leaders, and shared what it takes to lead through complexity, drive meaningful change and turn ambition into action.
Stephen Scheeler, former CEO of Facebook ANZ and Co-founder and CEO of Omniscient, talked of the transition from his early days as “the oldest guy at Facebook” to using AI to decode the human brain, and discussed technological disruption, the extraordinary potential of AI, and the critical importance of trust.
Industry experts have their say
During the parallel sessions, experts from WLA members will drill down into the detail of business operations, talk about best practices and examples of their work from across all global regions. The audience will have the opportunity to put questions to the panels on the following topics:
- Lotteries' use of AI
- Lotteries' Innovation and creativity
- Fight against illegals
- Responsible Gaming - Young adults
- Lotteries' contribution to society
- Disruption - Trends: prediction markets
- Sustainability
- Security & Risk Management
- Sports Integrity
