WLA partners with DigitalRG to streamline responsible gaming certification

Interview with DigitalRG founder, Laura Da Silva

Founded by Laura Da Silva, the platform aims to ensure that lottery practices not only comply with global standards, but also contribute positively to the broader goal of responsible gaming and sustainability. This is why one of the platform’s key features has been to help lotteries navigate WLA certification with confidence, from the initial self-assessment and gap analysis, to planning of RG programs, their implementation and monitoring, as well as the measurement of their effectiveness.

The partnership came into force in January 2024 following a one-year pilot project, which led to 10 lotteries successfully achieving the certification for the first time.

All WLA members applying for RG certification must now use the DigitalRG platform, where they will be assessed by the Independent Assessment Panel.

In an interview with Laura Da Silva, we gain insights into how the DigitalRG.com platform facilitates the RG certification process for WLA members.

What expertise does DigitalRG provide?

DigitalRG.com brings significant expertise in streamlining the RG certification process for WLA members. The online platform ensures that WLA members can submit applications for all levels of WLA-RGF certification in a straightforward and accessible manner. This saves them time and headspace so that they can focus on what truly matters, improving their impact.

This innovative approach means that the entire application and assessment process happens in one place – on the platform – making it quick and easy to apply, as well as track the application’s progress.

For first-time Level 2 submission lotteries (and DigitalRG premium members, some of which are WLA lottery members) receive:

• Personalized support with access to leading experts in the lottery field
• Case studies and benchmarks
• Tools, training and resources

In your experience, what are the key challenges for lotteries certifying at Level 2?

Level 2 certification focuses on self-assessment and gap analysis and presents several challenges. For instance, undertaking a comprehensive self-assessment to identify gaps in RG programs. This can be daunting, due to the breadth of principles and program elements to be evaluated.

Following on from this, identifying, developing, and implementing new RG programs to address the gaps found in the self-assessment can be challenging. It requires detailed planning and ample resources.

Finally, gathering and submitting the necessary documentation and evidence to support the self-assessment and gap analysis can be a meticulous and time-consuming task, but this is why we developed DigitalRG. Our goal is to make sure that the certification process is streamlined, and to ensure that lotteries do not reinvent the wheel. Resources, training, policy examples, case studies, are all available to help make the process as effective as possible.

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What benefits will the DigitalRG platform provide to WLA members?

The DigitalRG platform offers several benefits to WLA members undertaking RG certification. Firstly, much thought has been given to simplifying and streamlining the certification process, by making it accessible online, and easier for members to submit their applications.

At each stage of the process, applicants are provided with explicit guidance and support. This includes a simplified question and answer form, and the ability to upload proof and evidence of RG work.

Given that lotteries will either recertify at the same level, or progress to a higher one every three years, one of the platform’s greatest advantages is that it allows the storage of all previous applications and supporting evidence. This means that new applications can be built rapidly on the archive, saving time and costs.

The platform also allows lotteries to submit applications in their own language, which can be translated into English by the system, for the IAP to review.

This new process also makes it easy for lotteries to track progress of their application for certification.

What assistance will you provide at each level of certification?

DigitalRG provides tailored assistance at each level of certification.

Level 2: Offers eight hours of assistance from DigitalRG, along with full access to platform resources for three months, helping with the self-assessment and gap analysis.

It is important to underscore that WLA sponsors Level 2 support, which has already been highly successful.

Level 3 & 4: DigitalRG premium members will receive the support they need for the development of a plan, timetable, and budget for implementing specific RG programs. They also have access to a number of resources that were developed based on requests from lotteries, such as policy templates, tools and webinars. Premium DigitalRG members will be assisted in the continuous improvement of day-to-day operations and RG programs.

The platform facilitates the submission of applications directly to the Independent Assessment Panel (IAP) at all levels.

We have already helped over 40 lotteries with their certification and over this time, gained many insights into the lottery industry and its unique requirements and challenges. We are very pleased to be able to exploit this important knowledge in our partnership with WLA. We believe our services address the needs of the lotteries effectively, and allow ongoing improvement to the overall process of realizing and maintaining RG certification for WLA members.

Find out more about WLA RG Certification on digitalRG.com.