Michelle Carinci : Responsible gaming for a sustainable future

The global government regulated lottery industry is now measured at an estimated $276 billion in lottery ticket sales. What is more impressive is that over $90 billion of the revenue generated by government lotteries went to good causes.

There are 144 state sponsored lottery organizations that belong to the World Lottery Association (WLA) which sets the highest standards of performance in the industry from security to responsible gaming. I was one of the founding co-chairs of the Responsible Gaming Certification Program established by the WLA in 2003. Today, all members are certified. The WLA is a global organization with members representing five continents; members who are dedicated to serving the mission of generating funds for good causes all around the world within a socially responsible framework. Lottotech is one of those.

Regulated gaming operators face two big challenges: firstly, to protect and grow the business and the revenue for good causes in a dynamic and fluid marketplace. Secondly, to encourage a regulatory framework that is enabling and responsible.

In today’s climate of rapid change, driven mainly by new technology, innovation is an integral part of the sustainability of lottery operations. To protect the business and avoid losing revenue to illegal gambling operators, it is the duty of lotteries to pursue a corporate policy that is innovative, attractive and socially responsible. A responsible gaming strategy is what differentiates government regulated operators from the unregulated “grey” operators offering gaming on over 2,000 websites today. These “grey” operators do not protect their players nor does the revenue generated from their activities go back to good causes. In fact, it leaves the country as these operators are situated offshore.

While games need to be modern andimaginative, they need to be designed in alignment with the principles of social responsibility. Implementing the highest standards in terms of corporate social responsibility is vital for the image of the lottery. By framing commercial activities in practices that are ethical and transparent, lottery organizations strengthen their legitimacy while enhancing public trust.

Governments around the globe have embraced a responsible gaming strategy that applies to all forms of gaming, from casino and sports betting to lottery where players can enjoy the gaming experience with the utmost confidence in the integrity of the gaming systems and practices.

Regulators have the ongoing challenge to anticipate and respond to new developments and ensure that the regulatory framework and policies keep pace with the ever changing market conditions. It is vital that we offer consumers a safe, regulated environment in which to play games. At the same time, there needs to be diligence in protecting vulnerable groups, minimizing harm and offering treatment.

A responsible gaming strategy provides gaming operators with the opportunity to offer safe, regulated and relevant entertainment while generating and protecting significant revenue for good causes. Independent experts have concluded that gaming activities that have high frequency of play, with high payout percentages and low odds of winning or, an activity that provides the element of skill or perceived control need to include a systematic approach to ensure and support the efficient and effective application of responsible gaming features and principles.

The casino industry and electronic gaming manufacturers and suppliers worldwide have embraced a responsible gaming strategy. Games offered on modern video lottery terminals and slot machines have responsible gaming features imbedded within the games as well as details on the payouts of each game. Casinos have dedicated gaming counsellors on site.

Government regulated lotteries offering internet gaming include responsible gaming tools online to assist players in tracking the time they are spending as well as the amount of money played. Many have also introduced education programs in middle and high schools and on university campuses to ensure future players are making informed choices.

Lottotech has embraced a responsible gaming strategy since the launch of its operations seven years ago and continues to introduce new initiatives and best practices ultimately leading to the highest level of WLA certification. Employees and retail partners are trained in responsible gaming practices. Prohibiting underage play and discouraging excessive play are amongst the key messages of the program. There is a systematic approach to educating players by integrating and disseminating information related to good practices in responsible play. Support through a treatment referral process is available for the small percentage of players who need assistance.

Mauritius offers a variety of gaming activities beyond the weekly Loto drawing, from sports betting to gaming houses and casinos. There is a real opportunity for gaming operators to collaborate, develop and adopt a responsible gaming strategy and framework to protect players and the revenue generated for good causes.

While the WLA members, as gaming operators, play a central role in responsible gaming, there are a number of other stakeholders who play equally critical roles in this field, namely governments, regulators, treatment providers, researchers, community groups, individual players and their social networks. To effectively deal with responsible gaming, a group effort is essential and the time to start is now.