The WLA is committed to supporting its members in achieving Responsible Gaming (RG) certification and has entered into a partnership with digitalRG, to simplify and enhance the certification process for all levels, through the use of the digitalRG.com platform.
From 2024 onwards, all WLA members must submit their RG applications on the platform, where they will also be assessed by the Independent Assessment Panel (IAP).
On 6 March, WLA Secretary-General, Lynne Roiter hosted a webinar, entitled Certify with Confidence: Navigating WLA's Responsible Gaming Levels on digitalRG.com, together with Laura Da Silva, Sustainability Director at digitalRG.com.
Growing number of lotteries achieve RG certification
Underscoring the importance of WLA Responsible Gaming certification for the lotteries and the industry, Roiter noted that RG certification was one of the pillars of the foundation of WLA and that members were greatly committed to obtaining and maintaining certification.
The overall figures showed great progress with members obtaining Level 2 or higher certification jumping from 47% to 78% between March 2020 and January 2024, increasing in all WLA global regions.
One-stop shop approach
The WLA has developed tools to facilitate the process, including a buddy program, where lotteries that have achieved certification help others in the same region, as they embark on the journey.
Partnering with the digitalRG platform enables lotteries to follow a simplified step-by-step process for all the levels of certification.
Those applying for Level 2 certification will receive eight hours of assistance from digitalRG and have full access to digitalRG resources for three months.
For all levels, lotteries will have access to the certification roadmap and can submit applications to the IAP directly on the platform.
Simplified and effective
DigitalRG has helped over 40 lotteries achieve RG certification, and this experience has been used to optimize the platform. It has been designed to enable the lotteries to focus on the content they submit, rather than its presentation.
Da Silva showed the audience what Level 2 certification looks like on the platform. Some of the benefits include:
- Simplified dashboard that allows the entire process in one place, including document management.
- Nine or 10 steps (if lottery provides remote gaming) to certification in easy-to-follow sections.
- Simplified question and answer format at each stage, with extra guidance to assist in answering the questions.
- Ability to upload proof and evidence at each stage, of RG work undertaken by the lottery.
- The IAP report and result published on the dashboard.
Certification is never ending, even when Level 4 has been reached. Every three years, the next cycle begins. The digitalRG platform stores all previous applications, from which new ones can be built, saving time and costs for lotteries.
To maintain integrity, the IAP accesses the submissions in a separate area. It is important to note that the ultimate goal for WLA is to help all lotteries achieve certification. If an application is not accepted, the IAP report will be published on the dashboard with useful recommendations for the lottery to prepare to resubmit.
Find out more at digitalRG.com.
Lottery case study
The audience also gained useful insights from Katie Carlson, of Hoosier Lottery in the US, who provided a case study, which examined the challenges faced, and strategies employed to navigate the certification levels, and achieve Level 4 certification four times.
More about WLA RG certification
The WLA Responsible Gaming Certification Levels 2, 3, and 4 represent the commitment of lottery operator to responsible gaming excellence. This comprises implementing robust, responsible gaming practices that include advanced player education, comprehensive staff training, and the establishment of effective policies.
Find out more about the WLA RG Framework and certification.
