NASPL and WLA Confirm Alignment of Responsible Gaming Frameworks

CONCORD, Ohio (February 3, 2026) – The World Lottery Association (WLA) and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) are pleased to confirm a strengthened alignment between NASPL’s Responsible Gaming (RG) program and the WLA Responsible Gaming Certification Framework. This alignment reinforces a shared commitment to player protection, continuous improvement, and the credibility of responsible gaming standards across the state-regulated lottery sector.

Following NASPL’s decision to revise and strengthen its responsible gaming best-practice framework, NASPL has adopted a structured four-level model (Levels I–IV) aligned with the maturity-based progression reflected in the WLA RG Framework — supporting a consistent approach from foundational commitment through to sustained maturity and continuous improvement.

Key elements of the WLA–NASPL alignment

• Level IV (Highest Maturity Level)

  NASPL Level IV recognition will use the designation: “NASPL RG Certified in accordance with the WLA RG Framework,” accompanied by a specific co-branded logo developed for this purpose. This confirms alignment at the highest level, while preserving the respective governance and assurance approaches of each organization.

• NASPL Responsible Gaming Program Levels I–III

  NASPL assessments will continue to be delivered through its established process (including expert participation), with the added participation of a WLA Independent Assessment Panel (IAP) member. Following the assessment, the WLA will formally certify NASPL-region members as WLA RG Certified, ensuring consistent global recognition of certification outcomes.

Why this matters:

This alignment strengthens the consistency and credibility of Responsible Gaming standards; supports operational efficiency for lotteries engaging across frameworks, and reinforces confidence among regulators, stakeholders, and the public in the robustness of certification and assurance processes.

“Responsible Gaming is fundamental to the credibility of our sector and to the trust placed in state-regulated lotteries and sports betting operators. This alignment with NASPL strengthens consistency across regions and reinforces our shared commitment to robust, independently grounded standards that protect players and support the public-interest mission of our members.”

– Andreas Kötter, President of the World Lottery Association (WLA)

“NASPL members are firmly committed to player protection and to maintaining the highest standards of Responsible Gaming. Aligning our program with the WLA RG Framework enhances clarity and strengthens confidence among regulators, stakeholders, and the public, while supporting consistent best practice across the lottery community.”

– Brian Rockey, President of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)