IGT recertified by WLA for social responsibility standards, responsible gaming framework

London-based International Game Technology (IGT) has been recertified by the World Lottery Association for WLA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Responsible Gaming Framework for Suppliers, the company announced on Thursday.

The certification involved IGT’s lottery operations, including iLottery. The gaming standards were created by WLA to minimize the impact of problem gambling by promoting a worldwide accreditation program for gaming industry operators and suppliers. IGT claims that, by having secured this certification, it has once again reaffirmed its commitment to responsible gaming.

WLA-approved assessor EY conducted the assessment of IGT’s lottery operations in order to determine the recertification. EY was tasked with providing an independent auditor’s report on IGT’s alignment with the WLA standards.

These standards count with eight sections, including research, employee programs, product and service development, remote gaming environment, advertising and marketing communications, client awareness, stakeholder engagement and reporting.

"IGT is one of the most influential responsible gaming leaders in the gaming industry," said Mélissa Azam, WLA Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. "Its decades-long responsible gaming commitment spans the company's products and solutions and is a key component of its corporate culture.”

Moreover, Azam said the WLA “fully supports” the recertification of IGT’s lottery operations, and congratulated the company on “its continuing dedication” to responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility.

In addition to WLA’s certification, IGT’s commitment to responsible gaming includes adhering to eight globally adopted Responsible Gaming Guidelines, collaborative work with its Responsible Gaming Advisory Group, tailored employee e-learning courses on responsible gaming, publicly releasing its corporate responsible gaming policy, and more.

"Responsible gaming is ingrained into the fabric of what we do at IGT, from our products to our people and programs, it remains at the forefront of all decisions," said Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability. "This recertification from WLA reinforces our leadership and commitment as a responsible vendor, as well as demonstrates the effectiveness of our responsible gaming technologies."

The news comes on the heels of a positive third-quarter financial report, released last month. The company revealed a consolidated revenue of $984 million, with the Global Lottery as the main contributor with $652 million. IGT's operating income doubled to $212 million, and the Adjusted EBITDA reached an all-time high accounting for $407 million.

Additionally, Global Gaming achieved its highest quarterly revenue, and Digital & Betting revenue increased 37% with double-digit growth across activities. As a result, the company raised its guidance for the full year following the significant improvement in performance metrics across many of its core business segments.