Illinois Lottery granted level four certification from WLA

The Illinois Lottery has once again been granted level four certification under the World Lottery Association (WLA)’s Responsible Gaming Framework, which evaluates operators on principles such as research, employee training, retailer programs, game design and treatment referral.

Level four certification represents the highest standard under the WLA’s Responsible Gaming Framework, having first been obtained by the Allwyn North America-operated lottery in 2022. 

Illinois is one of eight lottery organizations operating in the US to have gained level four certification from the WLA. 

"This re-certification reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the Illinois Lottery remains a leader in responsible gaming," Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays said. 

"Protecting our players and promoting healthy play are fundamental to everything we do. Achieving Level Four status demonstrates that commitment through measurable actions and accountable practices."

The certification process includes a “comprehensive evaluation” of a lottery operator’s policies, procedures and programs by independent WLA assessors, as the Association currently represents over 150 state-authorized lotteries worldwide. 

According to the Illinois Lottery, its current responsible gaming program features player education and awareness campaigns, mandatory safeguards across online play and self-exclusion programs for players. 

The mandatory safeguards include identity verification, deposit and wallet limits and complete access to a player’s transaction history. 

The Illinois Lottery will also bring attention to Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and host a gift responsibly campaign during the holiday season. 

Allwyn North America works in partnership with the Illinois Department of Lottery as a private manager of the organization, which was originally founded in 1974 and has helped contribute more than $25bn to the state’s Common School Fund.