Responsible Gaming is the lottery sector's most critical element of Corporate Social Responsibility. As such, it is essential that WLA member lotteries grow their sales and returns to good causes, as well as facilitate responsible play. In 2006, the WLA adopted the Responsible Gaming Principles, and a Responsible Gaming Framework aimed at protecting lottery players around the world. This effort and commitment ensure not only that our public is protected but also that revenues are sustained for the public good.
Since its inception, to be eligible for membership, a member had to comply with level 1 RG certification and commit to the subsequent levels. With the maturity of the certification program and the additional tools the WLA has put at members disposal to facilitate the process, all members should be in a position to meet their level 1 commitment and obtain, at a minimum, level 2 certification (gap analysis in relation to the 10 program elements and identification of priorities actions to take).
Since the introduction of the Responsible Gaming Framework, some 80% of WLA members have met their commitment by obtaining level 2-3 or 4 RG certification.
Following the Paris General Meeting October 24, 2024, both new and existing members must comply with at least Level 1 of the Association’s Responsible Gaming Framework. They must also commit, through an integrated corporate social responsibility program, to obtaining at least level 2 RG certification within 18 months (three RG submission rounds) of becoming a WLA member.
It is also agreed that an organization who became a WLA member before October 24, 2024 should obtain, at a minimum, level 2 RG certification by May 2026.
WLA Members are united in their commitment to foster the continuity of public order and the fight against illegal gambling as defined by governments in the each respective member jurisdiction. This commitment provides the background for the WLA Responsible Gaming Principles.
These Principles, using the WLA bylaws as a reference, have been developed as a result of the unanimous decision of the WLA Membership in Granada to develop a comprehensive set of standards related to social responsibility. Gaming responsibility is a pivotal element in each individual WLA Member’s ongoing commitment to this social responsibility and part of a proactive approach to the social impact of lotteries and other forms of gaming, including Sports Betting.
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 issues of responsible gaming, a group effort is essential, and the principles in this document address the lottery industry’s relationship to these stakeholders.
In pledging their support for these principles, WLA Members commit their vigilance in making responsible gaming an integral part of their daily operations, including activities involving employees, patrons, retailers and other stakeholders. This pledge of support includes the encouragement of research initiatives and striving to achieve an appropriate balance between revenue, entertainment and customer expectations.
The Principles in this document should be not be construed as interference, or attempt to interfere with each respective governmental policy and the activities within their jurisdiction, but rather are meant to compliment relevant policies and activities within each jurisdiction.
Therefore, WLA Members hereby commit themselves, within the social, economic political, ethical and cultural context and legal framework of the respective jurisdictions in which the lotteries operate, to the following Responsible Gaming Principles:
