Scientific Games is again showcasing its commitment to responsible gambling with re-certification from the World Lottery Association. This recognition was earned for its Responsible Gaming Framework Certificate of Alignment, reflecting its international presence and technology.

Scientific’s operations reach five continents and supply technology or content to over 150 lotteries across 50 countries. Following a thorough independent and international process, the company received an honourable WLA certification.

A Legacy of Responsible Gaming

For those unfamiliar with the company, SG is a prominent name in retail and online gaming, technology, analytics, and services supporting government-run lottery and sports betting initiatives. Founded in 1973, the provider is a leader in instant games, data analytics, retail solutions, and digital lottery.

Mélissa Azam, Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for the WLA said the following on SG’s new certification:

“We commend Scientific Games for unwavering dedication to responsible gaming, continuous improvement through a commitment to education and awareness programs for operators and players, and ongoing and meaningful stakeholder engagement. SG has championed best-in-class integration of responsible gaming research and tools into online platforms.”

The lottery provider's re-certification from WLA highlighted its robust commitment to responsible gambling on a global scale. This was accomplished through an approach integrated into the daily execution of product development and sales activities. The recent assessment indicated that the company effortlessly meets the minimum WLA Responsible Gaming certification conditions.

The Role of the Healthy Play Programme

A decade ago, SG became one of the first entities to obtain WLA certification as a responsible gambling provider for its European footprint and operations. Following this, the company achieved several re-certifications, including its first global WLA certification in 2022.

This occurred after the lottery supplier introduced its esteemed Healthy Play responsible gaming programme. The Healthy Play programme offers lottery partners data-driven tools, features, practices, and technology to encourage responsible playing habits by enhancing ‘lottery literacy’ among partners.

CEO of Scientific Games, Pat McHugh also shared a few thoughts on the company’s latest re-certification. Here’s what he said in the official statement:

“SG celebrates our WLA global re-certification as it re-affirms our steadfast commitment to responsible gaming innovation and ethical business practice across our operations and technology. We are dedicated to advancing our Healthy Play program so that we can continue to give our lottery customers tools and best practices to strengthen the impact of their responsible gaming efforts by cultivating greater public trust through increased lottery literacy.”

It is important to note that WLA’s responsible gambling certification framework includes research, employee programmes, product and service development, remote betting channels such as iLottery, marketing initiatives, customer awareness, partner participation, and more.

Supplying the Iowa Lottery

Earlier this month, SG celebrated another significant milestone with the Iowa Lottery. The provider announced the launch of its award-winning self-service lottery terminals in several retail locations across Iowa.

The supplier’s proprietary PlayCentral Powered by SCiQ terminals are now deployed at select retailers and available for Iowa players to use. According to the provider, in 2024, around 79% of the players in the U.S. were regularly customers of the self-service terminals.

With the launch of its award-winning PlayCentral terminal with SCiQ retail ecosystem, the provider seeks to streamline instant game inventory management and sales information while delivering real-time data to retailers and the Iowa Lottery.

Improving Iowa Lottery’s Offerings

By installing the PlayCentral Powered by SCiQ, the Iowa Lottery aims to enhance its lottery products for both customers and retailers. Over 14,000 provider terminals are operational across 13 jurisdictions in North America, with more than 8,000 using SCiQ technology. Needless to say, additional terminals are set to be launched in 2025.

The newly deployed terminals provide a convenient and engaging in-store experience for customers. The kiosks also streamline how retail locations manage the Iowa Lottery's offerings. Moreover, the SG terminals provide essential information that helps the lottery better meet its players’ needs and revenue targets.

Future Expansion Opportunities

Utilising the cutting-edge SCiQ system, both the Iowa Lottery and retailers gain access to real-time data for accurate sales and inventory management. Furthermore, retail operators can manage their products with greater confidence, minimising inefficiencies and ensuring maximum product availability.

In the meantime, thanks to the newly launched SCiQ system, the Iowa Lottery can also use the information and data to strengthen its product management. This would allow the state-run lottery to introduce more targeted promotions and enhance retail distribution for its Scratch Games.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the Iowa Lottery reported approximately US$494 million in sales. These funds support vital programmes and infrastructure in the state. It’s safe to assume that the provider has significantly influenced the lottery’s recent success.

SG and the Iowa Lottery have been working together since 1985. Under their existing collaboration, the supplier provides lottery gaming systems, retail point-of-sale technology, and management systems to the Iowa agency. Last but not least, SG also offers instant scratch games and licensed brands to the state lottery.