IGT prioritizes sustainable play in 2022 ESG report

ESG
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IGT has revealed its annual work into ensuring that its ESG credentials are up to gold standard as it published its 2022 sustainability report. 

The global lottery and gaming firm broke down the report into five sections, highlighting the work it has done in its key priority areas: Valuing and Protecting Our People; Advancing Responsibility; Supporting Our Communities; Commitment to Sustainable Growth, and Fostering Sustainable Operations. 

“This marks the 16th consecutive year that IGT has released its Sustainability Report, demonstrating the Company’s comprehensive sustainability initiatives and the positive impacts they have on our people and the planet,” said Vince Sadusky, IGT CEO. 

“With a strong foundation centered around Sustainable Play and priorities aligned with UN Global Compact principles and Sustainable Development Goals, IGT continues to make considerable progress as an industry leader in global sustainability as we build a more sustainable business for the future.”

Labeling its people as its “most valuable asset”, IGT noted the contribution of its 10k+ strong workforce who come from over 60 countries representing different cultures and beliefs. 

Acknowledging these differences, the firm has set out a number of initiatives to make it a stronger place to work to attract and retain its talent. 

IGT added its Human Rights Policy Statement to employee training last year, while it also became the first casino/gaming company to pen the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles that set out how to promote gender equality. 

Also for its workforce, IGT was named one of the top businesses in last year’s All-In Diversity project report for its efforts in DEI and sustainability. 

The firm’s VP, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Brian Blake, added: “In 2022, IGT purposefully included Equity in the title of our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to ensure policies, practices, and culture identify and fulfill the needs of all employees. 

“Equity recognizes that different employees and groups of employees have different needs, and IGT will support them uniquely, with everyone being valued.”

IGT stated that its Advancing Responsibility targets were achieved in 2022, as demonstrated in its accreditation in the Global Gambling Guidance Group’s RG scheme, meaning it is now certified in all of its product segments. 

It also advances its responsible gaming strategy through the IGT Positive play scheme, which aims to educate players on an array of RG features that are available, including financial limits, time limits, self-exclusion, and platform bans. 

Achieving its targets on supporting its communities, IGT launched its After School Advantage scheme, the Company’s flagship philanthropic initiative, which provides youth with STEM educational opportunities. 

Wendy Montgomery, SVP, Marketing, Communications & Sustainability, noted: “We understand the value and importance of technology in today’s world and as a global technology company, we are committed to supporting our communities by providing access to these educational resources. 

“For more than 20 years, IGT has been bridging the digital divide through the ASA program, providing best-in-class technology to more than 340 schools and after-school programs across the globe. We look forward to establishing more digital learning centers in 2023 and beyond.”