“In the post-pandemic period, ‘sustainability’ in gambling has evolved to encompass financial viability, social responsibility, player protection, and technological innovation. Today sustainability refers to an ecosystem where operators thrive economically while prioritising player wellbeing through responsible gaming practices, also using Ai and data analytics to detect problematic behaviour early and offer personalised interventions”.
This is the analysis of Francesco Rodano, chief policy officer of Playtech, according to whom “sustainability also refers to the industry’s longevity, where gaming is an entertainment for the majority while minimising harm to vulnerable individuals. It requires a holistic approach considering the economic, social, and environmental impacts of gambling activities, and their long-term effects on communities”.
Here is the interview published in the October issue of Gioco News magazine, which can be consulted in its entirety online at this link, the second part of the special on sustainability which in its first episode hosted the point of view of Kpmg Malta.
How can new technologies promote sustainability in the gambling sector?
“New technologies, especially Ai and machine learning, are revolutionizing gambling sustainability. They enable sophisticated player protection measures, such as real-time risk assessment and interactions, even automatic ones, with potentially at-risk players. Ai-powered tools like Playtech's BetBuddy, through advanced data analytics, can help identify problem gambling patterns much more quickly than traditional responsible gambling tools. This proactive approach to responsible gaming in addition to helping players not to lose control, increases their trust in operators, thus improving the sustainability of the sector.
New technologies can also enhance operational efficiency, reducing the environmental footprint of gambling operations. For example, cloud computing can minimize physical infrastructure needs, while Ai can optimize resource allocation for more sustainable business practices.”
What can and should the sector do to be sustainable, and what, instead, are the tasks of the legislator and the regulator?
“The sector should continue to invest in responsible gambling tools, prioritise player education, and foster responsible gaming culture, even collaborating with researchers and treatment providers. In this framework, even staff training, audits and certifications, and above all greater possible transparency about efforts and outcomes are important. The industry can engage in self-regulation, setting high standards that exceed legal requirements and that involve sharing best practices, funding problem gambling research, and developing innovative player protection solutions. Legislators and regulators can support and lead this approach, encouraging player safety tools innovation, setting standards for Ai use and for the assessments of responsible gambling measures, and incentivising operators who excel in player protection. Regulations should evolve with technological advancements, balancing industry growth and public health safeguards.
Ideally, regulators should create a harmonised approach across countries, based on data sharing, while respecting privacy laws. They also should educate the public about responsible gambling and ensure help is available for those in need.”
How does Italy position itself in terms of gaming sustainability in a global context?
“Italy has taken a significant step towards sustainable gambling practices with the approval of the leglislative decree n.41, last March. Artic 14 explicitly mentions, I believe for the first time in the world, the use of artificial intelligence for player protection, making Italy one of the first countries to use the technology for respponsible gaming. The success of this initiative will largely depend on how licensees implement these advanced tools and share their experiences with all the stakeholders of the sector. As gaming operators adopt Ai-driven player protection measures, Italy has the opportunity to become a testing ground for innovative responsible gambling practices. The results of this implementations could represent a valuable experience, from which future legislative and regulatory initiatives can draw, not only in Italy, but throughout Europe and the rest of the world.”