The World Lottery Association (WLA) has granted the Oregon Lottery level four certification under its Responsible Gambling and Safer Play program, representing the third consecutive period in which the operator has achieved the highest level of certification.
“Maintaining our WLA Level Four certification for more than eight years demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in Safer Play,” Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells said.
“To keep pace with a fast-evolving gambling market, we have responded with innovation and will continue to focus on trust with our players.”
The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework evaluates operators on principles such as research, employee training, retailer programs, game design and treatment referral.
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.
The Oregon Lottery was highlighted for its investment in research which identifies opportunities to support those beginning to experience potential gambling harms, as well as employee training for lottery staff and retailers.
Having first achieved level four certification in 2018, the Oregon Lottery was said to represent the “highest standard” of commitment to player protection and has “fully embedded” responsible gambling principles within its governance, operations and culture.
Since its launch in 1985, the Oregon Lottery has generated $17.8bn for economic development, public education, veteran services, outdoor school, state parks and watershed enhancements.
On February 5, the Illinois Lottery was once again granted level four certification under the WLA’s Responsible Gaming Framework, having first been obtained by the Allwyn North America-operated lottery in 2022.
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.
Argentina’s Instituto de Ayuda Financiera a la Acción Social retained its level three Responsible Gaming certification from the WLA on January 20, having first achieved the merit in December 2022
