WLA president highlights need to promote integrity in sports betting

The president of the World Lottery Association (WLA), Andreas Kötter, has highlighted obstacles to maintaining integrity in sports betting.

Kötter has identified the risk of illegal gaming and sports betting operations to the legitimate industry as a whole, especially as more than half of WLA members now offer sports betting. As such, he has stated publicly that the organization aims to work with diverse partners from across the industry in a variety of new strategies.

“Science is a major factor and should enable us to see the facts, new insights and developments, and advise us on questions regarding the future design of markets and companies,” said Kötter in a recent interview. “We need the impulses to reflect on our actions and to keep an eye on major developments. It is important that we attract globally renowned scientists to address these issues.”

Specifically, Kötter highlighted that steps are being taken to strengthen WLA’s partnerships with regional associations (ALA, APLA, CIBELAE, EL, and NASPL) and other organisations, such as the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sport (ULIS).

The WLA has also emphasized the rise of digitalization has blurred lines between lottery and gambling operators, echoing concerns raised by regulators in the US. For example, there are an increasing number of digital scratch cards, which the WLA notes might not fit into traditional ideas of gambling yet still could contribute to addiction.

“These new challenges raise questions for all stakeholders,” Kötter continued, referring to players, providers, legislators, gambling regulators, and the WLA.

To combat such concerns, Kötter proposed greater unity between different bodies, such as the ones mentioned above, as well as ensuring any new technology used in online gambling still adheres to existing regulations.

One specific measure that’s already in progress is the creation of a Betting Integrity on Sports and Horse Racing Committee (BISHRC).

“The work of this Committee has never been more important,” Kötter explained. “These types of illicit activities jeopardise our industry’s reputation and require a concerted effort to tackle.”

Featured image: Midjourney

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