International accolades for Lotto NZ’s responsible gaming

30 November 2016

International accolades for Lotto NZ’s responsible gaming programme

Lotto New Zealand is celebrating after receiving the highest possible international accolade for its responsible gaming programme.

As announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Peter Dunne, Lotto NZ has recently been awarded the grand prize in the World Lottery Association’s biennial Responsible Gaming Awards – the award for the ‘Best Overall Responsible Gaming Programme’.

“Lotto NZ exists to provide safe gaming that allows New Zealanders to play and win, while contributing money back to New Zealand communities,” said Lotto NZ’s Chair Judy Kirk.

“Responsible gaming plays a central role in Lotto’s day-to-day operations across all areas of the business, driven by clear governance focus.”

In receiving this prestigious award, Lotto NZ’s approach to responsible gaming is recognised as world class.

“Lotto NZ’s excellent submission demonstrates their holistic approach to responsible gaming,” said Anne Pattberg, Chair of the World Lottery Association’s independent assessment panel, “this world class programme shows the importance of integrating responsible gaming into commercial activities.”

“We are delighted to have received this recognition. Responsible gaming plays an important part in our business, as we cannot truly benefit Kiwi communities if playing our games is causing undue harm,” said Lotto NZ’s Chief Executive Wayne Pickup.

Last year, Lotto NZ transferred $204 million to the NZ Lottery Grants Board to help make good things happen in Kiwi communities. This essential funding helps thousands of community groups support the arts, sport, culture and heritage, outdoor safety and many more regional and national initiatives.

The award was presented to Lotto NZ at the World Lottery Association’s annual World Lottery Summit in Singapore earlier this month.

Background information:

About the World Lottery Association (WLA): The WLA is a member-based organisation that sets the international benchmark for responsible gaming. The WLA represents over 300 members and associate members from over 90 countries on five continents. WLA membership is exclusive and requires adherence to a responsible gaming code of conduct.

The Best Overall Responsible Gaming Programme Award: In order to further promote the best practices in the industry, the WLA honours responsible gaming programmes that innovate and demonstrate best practice. Award submissions are evaluated by a panel of international experts in the field of corporate social responsibility.

ENDS

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