Canada’s Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) has been formally awarded Level Four certification by the World Lottery Association for operating at the highest level of social responsibility standards, one of the first lotteries to be certified at this level.
NSGC had previously submitted an application to the WLA Independent Assessment Panel, comprising of social responsibility experts from around the world, to be recognised as having achieved the Level 4 standards.
The application process required NSGC to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility across 21 areas, including stakeholder engagement, retailer training, player education, responsible game design, expert consultation, participation in industry initiatives and public reporting.
“For years now NSGC has been driven by a commitment to social responsibility. This award takes that commitment to another level,” said WLA Independent Assessment Panel member, John Luff.
“This means putting that commitment to the toughest industry scrutiny. It means global recognition. And it means other lotteries will look to NSGC for help and guidance. In my opinion, NSGC and Nova Scotia should be justly proud.”
Members of the World Lottery Association, the umbrella organisation for 141 lotteries in 76 countries worldwide, are required to adhere to at least the most basic level, Level 1, and are encouraged to enhance their commitment to responsible gambling and work toward achieving Level 4.
The four-level framework represents global best practices in social responsibility and the fostering of responsible gambling behaviour.
“Social responsibility is the cornerstone of every decision we make,” said Marie Mullally, NSGC President and CEO. “This formal recognition from a well-respected panel of social responsibility experts is one we are extremely proud of.”
In the 2008/09 fiscal year, NSGC invested more than CAD$7.5 million in responsible gambling programs and problem gambling treatment and prevention, the highest per capita amount in Canada.
As part of its expanded range of responsible gambling initiatives, NSGC recently launched its Informed Player Choice System earlier this year, a player card designed to encourage informed decision-making and responsible gambling amongst its customers (more), in addition to launching a new software programme designed to address the growing problem of underage gambling in the province (more).