RG Framework Certification Program Update: Commitment in Action

Published August 18, 2026

For lotteries across North America, responsible gambling is integral to our mission, our operations, and our relationship with the public. This requires us to continually ask an important question: How do we know we are doing enough?

The NASPL/NCPG Responsible Gambling Framework Certification Program helps lotteries answer that question.

Developed through the partnership between the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries and the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Responsible Gambling Framework provides lotteries with a structured, measurable path for evaluating their responsible gambling efforts, identifying opportunities for improvement and demonstrating progress.

The goal is not simply to earn a certification. It is to create a culture of continuous improvement.

The Framework includes four certification levels, allowing lotteries to enter the process at a point appropriate to the maturity of their responsible gambling programs and build from there.

Level 1, the Commitment Level, recognizes lotteries that have established a foundational commitment to responsible gambling through participation in Problem Gambling Awareness Month and NCPG's Gift Responsibly Campaign, along with a formal proclamation affirming that commitment. Level 2 moves into self-assessment and gap analysis, requiring the development of a comprehensive Responsible Gambling Plan. At Level 3, lotteries demonstrate that those plans are being put into practice through specific programs, timelines and budgets. Level 4 represents continuous improvement, with responsible gambling programs integrated into day-to-day operations and regularly evaluated and strengthened.

Importantly, the Framework looks across the entire organization, rather than treating RG as the responsibility of a single department. Its 10 program elements encompass research, employee training, retailer training, game design, remote gaming channels where applicable, advertising and marketing communications, player education, treatment referral where applicable, stakeholder engagement, and reporting and measurement.

That comprehensive approach matters. Responsible gambling should influence how products are developed, how they are marketed, how employees and retailers are trained, how players receive information and resources, and how organizations measure whether their efforts are working.

And increasingly, lotteries across North America are making that commitment.

As of August 2026, 38 U.S. lotteries are represented in the certification program, at various levels of the Framework and through reciprocal World Lottery Association certification. That participation reflects the broader commitment to responsible gambling and the meaningful work already taking place across our industry. As the program continues to evolve, NASPL and NCPG remain focused on making the Framework practical and accessible, providing lotteries with valuable tools and support wherever they may be in their responsible gambling journey.

One important step toward that goal was the introduction of the new Level 1 Commitment certification. Not every lottery begins this journey with the same resources, programs, or organizational structure. Level 1 creates an accessible starting point, recognizes meaningful foundational work already taking place and establishes a pathway toward the more comprehensive requirements of Levels 2, 3 and 4.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and NASPL members do not bear the cost of participating in the program. Lotteries considering certification can also request a mentor – an experienced professional from a lottery that has already achieved certification – to help during the planning process and review plans and action items before submission.

We have also worked to ensure that lotteries participating in the World Lottery Association's Responsible Gaming Framework are not asked to duplicate work unnecessarily. Lotteries achieving WLA certification at Levels 2 through 4 can receive reciprocal recognition through NASPL by providing their WLA certification materials.

NASPL recently dedicated an episode of Insights Direct, available on the NASPL Matrix, to the certification process. The webinar walks participants through how to create and write an effective Responsible Gambling Plan and offers practical tips and recommendations for preparing a thorough certification application. Whether your lottery is beginning the process for the first time or preparing to advance to another level, this can be an excellent place to start.

Our industry exists to provide safe, entertaining lottery products while generating funding for the public programs and services that strengthen our communities. Those responsibilities go hand in hand.

The strength of the Framework is that it recognizes RG as an ongoing process, not a finish line. Wherever a lottery may be on that journey, there is an opportunity to build on the work already underway, learn from peers, and continue moving forward. Through collaboration, shared standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we will continue strengthening responsible gambling efforts across North America.

Brian Rockey

Director, Nebraska Lottery

NASPL President