Sustainable lottery model embodies new EL Environmental Initiative

Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the 9th edition of the EL Industry Days 2022 highlighted the importance of the core lottery values (responsibility, sustainability, and integrity) for the benefit of society.

Under the theme "We Connect" participants had the opportunity to reconnect and unite in solidarity. During the Industry Days, an Environmental Initiative was launched by EL, emphasising the importance of sustainability in the lottery sector. All over the world more and more companies are integrating sustainable practices into their business models, and lotteries continue to play a crucial role. The new Environmental Initiative aims to create a collective dynamic among EL Members on concrete commitments in the environmental field, including the use of paper coming from certified sustainable forests for gaming materials (i.e., scratch tickets); and the regular monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., an action plan to reduce carbon emissions). [1] EL Members are invited to confirm their voluntary commitments in the Initiative, exchange best practices in order to be able to present the outcomes during the 2023 EL General Assembly in Sibenik, Croatia. Showcased by KANTAR, the world's leading data, insights, and consulting company, the results of a recent EL Research Study on Young Generations and Games were presented for the first time at the Industry Days. Following an earlier study in 2018, the key objective of this follow-up study was to identify relevant and unique ideas/product development directions. The results showed that younger players seemingly prefer a game based on both luck and skill/knowledge, and that there is not an ideal game for everyone. As entertainment is a driver of consideration to play, games should be truly entertaining. It is therefore advised that lotteries have a wide portfolio of games to satisfy many different needs. EL and Members will use this important and timely research to engage further with younger players, whilst at the same time keeping a high level of responsible play and integrity. Reflecting on the challenging and opportunities of the pandemic, a special segment of this year’s Industry Day brought together lottery CEOs to reconnect during an interactive Directors Table. All CEOs agreed that as a result of the pandemic, lotteries have faster in their operations, efficient, flexible, and more innovative, whilst retaining the highest level of responsibility and integrity. National lotteries also demonstrated their important role to benefit society in times of need. Digital development, omnichannel and customer behaviour are to be watched closely in the months and years ahead as well hot topics including gambling advertising and the fight against illegals. Under the overarching theme of ‘’We Connect’’, the EL Industry Days 2022 hosted by Lotto Hessen and in close collaboration with EL’s Level 1 Partners Scientific Games and IGT brought together a record number of participants (nearly 250 in total) to reconnect after two long years. A Yellow Bench, an iconic symbol from the 2022 Invictus Games in The Hague was placed at the venue to emphasis the importance of connecting with each other. Whether it was an acquaintance, a friend or more often than not, a complete stranger, participants had the chance to sit down and have a conversation. In the words of the EL President Hansjörg Höltkemeier: ’After two long years of being apart, the 2022 EL Industry Days brought together our members in a setting to (re)connect. I am delighted to see that happen. With the current situation unfolding in front of our eyes, it is more important than ever to work together. This was a moment to rejoice but to also reflect on the past, present and future. It was a pleasure to see friends and colleagues, to meet and to exchange both business wise and personally. Diverse we may be, but united we stand for society.’’