European lotteries shape the future of responsible gaming and environmental action
Around 180 lottery professionals from 43 countries gathered in Milan for the EL/WLA Sustainability & Responsible Gaming (RG) Seminar 2026 (16-18 September), hosted by Sisal. Under the theme ''Driving Impact, Raising Standards'', participants explored a shared challenge: how lotteries can demonstrate that their responsible gaming and sustainability efforts deliver measurable results.
The new EL Responsible Gaming Framework
Following an important milestone earlier this year with the adoption of the revised EL RG Standards at the General Assembly in Marrakech, the focus is now on bringing them to life. Developed in close collaboration with EL members, the framework reflects the realities of today's lottery sector, from increasing digitalisation and evolving regulation to growing expectations for transparency and measurable impact.
RG has long been at the heart of the lottery model and remains fundamental to maintaining the trust of players, regulators and society. But as markets evolve, so too must the tools and frameworks that support player protection.
Arno Nagelschmied on the new EL RG Framework
Providing an update on the development of the new framework, Arno Nagelschmied, RG Managing Director at Austrian Lotteries and member of the EL RG & Sustainability Community of Experts, explained that the focus is shifting from having measures in place to demonstrating that they work. The new framework places greater emphasis on outcomes and impact, while reinforcing an evidence-based approach to player protection. It covers key areas including game design, advertising, player support and digital channels, and embeds continuous improvement at its core.
Attention now turns to implementation, with EL members continuing to play a key role in shaping the certification process and supporting the successful rollout of the new standards. This collective approach was already in action during a dedicated workshop held the day before the Seminar, where around 80 participants from 46 EL Lottery Members came together to contribute to the development of the future framework.
From responsible gaming tools to measurable impact
Throughout the seminar, experts, researchers and lottery representatives explored a central question: how can the sector better measure the effectiveness of its player protection efforts?
Keynote speakers Dr Michael Wohl (Carleton University, Canada) and Dr Néstor Szerman, President of the World Association on Dual Disorders (WADD), highlighted the importance of designing RG measures that are relevant, accessible and grounded in the realities of player behaviour. Discussions also underscored the growing recognition that gambling-related harm often intersects with broader mental health challenges, requiring more holistic and individualised approaches.
Lottery Members showcased a range of initiatives, including AI-driven risk detection, proactive player interventions, identified play, prevention-focused product design and strengthened governance frameworks. While the approaches differed, they shared a common objective: moving beyond compliance and towards measurable player protection outcomes.
A recurring message throughout the seminar was that effective RG depends on evidence, evaluation and collaboration. A panel discussion on the evolution of RG research highlighted the value of combining behavioural and survey data to better understand player behaviour and inform practical interventions. Participants agreed that closer partnerships between researchers and operators will be essential if Responsible Gaming initiatives are to continue evolving and delivering meaningful impact.
Keynote speakers Michael Wohl and Néstor Szerman
Professor Taticchi on why sustainable companies win
Sustainability as a driver of innovation
Sustainability was another central theme of the seminar, with discussions focusing on how environmental and social responsibility can create long-term value, drive innovation and strengthen organisational resilience. In his keynote address, Paolo Taticchi of University College London (UCL) highlighted the growing business case for sustainability, arguing that it is becoming a driver of competitiveness, growth and long-term success.
Across the programme, members and sector experts explored topics ranging from emerging regulatory requirements and responsible supply chains to decarbonisation and employee engagement. Practical examples demonstrated how sustainability can be embedded into everyday operations and organisational culture, showing that meaningful progress begins with clear strategies, measurable actions and the active involvement of employees at all levels.
Four years of progress for the EL Environmental Initiative
The seminar also provided an opportunity to reflect on the growth of the EL Environmental Initiative since its launch in 2022. Today, 38 of EL's 71 members participate in the initiative, supporting work on sustainable paper sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and emissions reduction planning.
The initiative has contributed to greater environmental transparency across the sector, helping more lotteries measure and report their emissions while strengthening their approach to carbon management and reporting. It has also fostered a growing community of members committed to sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices
A key message from the session was that measurement is the foundation for effective action. Without understanding where emissions come from, meaningful reduction targets cannot be set. As lotteries increasingly address emissions across their value chains, collaboration, shared learning and more consistent approaches will be essential to accelerating progress.
Andrea Brentini receiving Sisal’s first certificate from Mélissa Jacquérioz (EL)
The seminar also marked the launch of official participation certificates for members that have met the initiative's requirements and provided supporting data, recognising their commitment and progress. As the hosting lottery, Sisal received the first certificate.
Looking ahead
Whether in responsible gaming or sustainability, the future belongs to organisations that can measure impact, learn from evidence and continuously improve. With the new EL RG Standards, a growing Environmental Initiative and increasing collaboration across the lottery sector, European lotteries are working together to raise the bar and deliver meaningful results for players, communities and society.
Thank you to Sisal for hosting the Seminar and to Laura Da Siliva (Digital RG) for moderating.
