Public Gaming International September/October 2022

16 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 and Horse Race Betting last November, during which global experts discussed recent developments and challenges of the digitalization of horse race betting. What initiatives are really global in nature, calling for a united global approach? R. Paul: What we can do at the global level is protect the security and integrity of everything we do. We depend on each other to protect the integrity of the brand. And that means implementing the highest standards of security because a breach in even one jurisdiction impacts all of us. That’s why the WLA developed the standards of security and certification process. We also have certification processes that help everyone learn how to implement the highest standards of Responsible Gaming and Corporate Social Responsibility. An interesting part of the certification process is the role of mentorship. The WLA can help connect mentoring lotteries with those working toward the next level of certification or recertification. Lotteries are typically in different stages of development, and we do not compete with each other. Instead, we truly benefit individually when our peers around the world do well, and we can learn from them. Another area that is best served by a global approach is the effort to stop illegal gambling, especially illegal online gaming. To that end, the WLA formed its Illegal Lotteries and Betting Committee (ILBC) to combat illegal lottery operations. Where possible, we provide materials, tools and advice to our members on how to best fight unauthorized lotteries within the regulatory framework of their respective jurisdictions. One of the activities from the past couple of years includes the development of the Overview of Illegal Lottery and Betting Operations database. This database provides country fact sheets on legislative, judicial and commercial situations regarding bet-on lotteries and courier services in each country. This data is available to WLA members. ILBC held its first webinar in March on Unauthorized Lottery and Sports Betting Operations. That webinar included presentations from international experts that addressed: • Bet-on lotteries and courier services • The state of sports betting • Payment methods and associated risks • Blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies and how they impact the lottery sector The ILBC also produced an informative brochure on Combatting Illegal Betting to Protect the Integrity of Sports. The brochure was developed with one of the working groups of the WLA Betting Integrity on Sports and Horse Racing Committee (BISHR). It reviews the trends and technologies that have contributed to the global expansion of illegal betting operators and the impact that such operators have on the legal lottery and sports betting sector. This document also examines the WLA’s global effort to protect sports integrity through collaboration with organizations such as The Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS), the Council of Europe, Interpol, and numerous national and international sports federations. The nature of illegal betting is complex given the differing rules, regulations and levels of enforcement in different jurisdictions. ILBC closely monitors its members 8 9 10 8. Go team! Rebecca is flanked by a Tennessee Lottery board member and representatives from the University of Tennessee in 2018 to raise awareness about the everincreasing funds raised for education. 9. Rebecca gives tips to Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and State Rep. Chris Newton on the first day of ticket sales on Jan. 20, 2004. 10. Rebecca and Sharon Sharp, a long-time industry colleague and friend, join forces to mark the Tennessee Lottery’s first day of sales in 2004. 11. Always at-the-ready to share milestones to the public, Tennessee’s President and CEO provided pertinent news to a reporter about the $2.4 billion raised for education by the time 2012 rolled in. 12. Rebecca leads a costumed crew and adds fun to a Tennessee Lottery Sales Meeting. 13. Who wouldn’t want a call from Rebecca? Here she makes notification calls to winners of a series of secondchance “Play It Again!” drawings. 11 12 13 Continued on page 62

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