International Game Technology (IGT), soon to split into lottery and gaming businesses (Apollo Global is merging the gaming arm with Everi Holdings), is arguably a pioneer in embracing sustainability in gaming. It was the first supplier to secure Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) responsible gaming accreditation in 2017 and secured another first when G4 certified its US sports betting operations in 2022. It also provides one of the most comprehensive overviews of its approach through a robust and consistent reporting schedule.
“IGT’s global sustainability strategy aims to ensure the highest standards of ESG practices and governance in every aspect of our business,” executive chair Marco Sala explains in the supplier’s 2023 sustainability report. “It sets an example for our employees and key stakeholders while it also underscores the importance of incorporating sustainability into our daily work and lives.”
An all encompassing strategy
That Sustainable Play strategy centres around four key pillars: Valuing and protecting its people; advancing responsibility; supporting its communities; and fostering sustainable operations.
With a robust structure and focus on sustainability that first began developing in 2015, IGT is constantly refining how it develops those pillars year to year. For the people pillar, last year it received the top score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), as an active promoter of LGBTQ+ workplace equality products and practices. Its US, Canada and Italian operators were awarded a Top Employer certification for a culture of continuous learning and processes for performance management and talent review.
That year IGT also ran a customer survey to better understand how they perceive the supplier’s role in responsible gaming, while securing the G4 certification for Global Gaming and PlayDigital operations.
It further enhanced its impact on the communities it serves through the opening of 15 new After School Advantage (ASA) labs. IGT’s flagship community impact scheme, ASA provides young people access to science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) opportunities around the world. The STEAM curriculum will now offer additional education in maths, video production and creative writing following updates rolled out last year.
And to make its operations more sustainable, the Science Based Targets Initiative validated IGT’s targets and commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while also conducting a climate-based risk and opportunity analysis for the business.
In terms of transparency and longevity, IGT has one of the most comprehensive and effective strategies for sustainability in the FiNTEL Sustain top ten.
Over the next week iGB will be counting down the ten highest ranked companies in FiNTEL Sustain’s Sustainability Plus rating system. Watch FiNTEL Sustain founders Robert Montgomery and Steven Myers share the rationale for creating a gaming-specific rating system in this exclusive interview.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sustainable-gambling/igt-fintel-sustain-rankings/
