The World Lottery Association or the WLA awarded Canada’s Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGA) a level four certification for high level of operation and its commitment to upholding high levels of social responsibility. The World Lottery Association is a member based organization that deals with advancing the interests of state authorized lotteries. Lotteries being the 20 most widely used form of government sponsored gambling. Their core values are responsibility, integrity, professionalism, and innovation. The NSGA applied to the WLA’s Independent Assessment Panel of social responsibility experts in hopes of receiving this honor and thus becoming one of the world’s first. “For years now, the NSGC has been driven by a commitment to social responsibility,” said Panel member, John Luff.
The fine folks in Nova Scotia have spent tons in programs that deal with identifying compulsive gambling, treatment and, of course, prevention. Over the last twelve months that is an investment of over seven million dollars. This is the most spent, per capita, throughout the whole of Canada. “Social responsibility is the cornerstone of every decision we make,” said Marie Mullally, President and Chief Executive Officer for the NSGC. Panel member Luff added, “This award takes commitment to another level.”
The WLA’s application process (more like ordeal) requires applicants to prove their commitment to social responsibility in may areas. These include stakeholder engagement, player education, responsible game design, retailer training, expert consultation, public reporting, and many others combing an area of twenty one areas. It includes all lotteries including video lottery terminals, or the industries equivalent of online gambling. WLA is committed to putting its applicants through the toughest scrutiny. However it’s rewards are recognized globally. This is quite an honor for gaming commissions and corporations. Mr. Luff continued to glow, “In my opinion, NSGC and Nova Scotia should be justly proud.”
