Industry News
IGT Achieves “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” Designation by Human Rights Campaign Foundation
International Game Technology PLC announced today that it received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), earning the global company the coveted “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” designation. The nation’s leading benchmarking survey for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace, the CEI evaluates corporate policies and practices to measure an employer’s commitment to workplace equality.
IGT joins the ranks of a record-breaking 842 U.S.-based companies to receive a perfect CEI score this year. The educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy group, the HRC Foundation rated businesses on detailed criteria across four central pillars:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities.
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families.
- Supporting an inclusive culture.
- Corporate social responsibility.
“IGT earning the HRC Foundation’s ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’ designation is a reflection of our commitment to provide a workplace culture that is welcoming, equitable and empowering to LGBTQ+ employees across the globe,” said Vincent Sadusky, IGT CEO. “I wish to thank our approximately 11,000 employees worldwide, especially members of PRIDE with IGT, who together with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion embrace and activate IGT’s core values and contributed to this milestone achievement.”
“This designation reinforces that IGT’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is focused on impact,” said Melissa Pursley, IGT Vice President and COO IGT Indiana and Co-Executive Sponsor of PRIDE with IGT. “Many in the LGBTQ+ community still struggle to thrive at work, and as a senior leader at IGT and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am proud that IGT has taken consistent steps to ensure that this is not the case for our colleagues.”
“When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically,” said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training.“We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere. Congratulations to IGT for achieving the title of ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’ and working to advance inclusion in the workplace.”
Since 2018, IGT has implemented a range of programs, policy and systems changes, and leading practices that have promoted all dimensions of diversity to make the Company a more attractive and inclusive employer. Some of these actions include:
- Introducing gender affirming medical benefits for transgender employees.
- Offering competitive benefits for same sex partners, regardless of marital status.
- Creating gender neutral restrooms at major IGT campuses.
- Implementing more inclusive and equitable hiring processes.
- Establishing and supporting PRIDE with IGT, an employee-led and executive-sponsored Diversity and Inclusion Group.
- Facilitating both mandatory and elective employee training courses that help support IGT’s diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and anti-harassment commitments.
Industry News
Does ESPN’s Legacy Offer an Edge in the Betting Landscape?
In a landscape dominated by established players and disruptive newcomers, ESPN’s foray into sports betting raises a compelling question: can the iconic sports media brand leverage its legacy to secure an advantage in this competitive market? As sports betting continues to grow in the U.S., fueled by the 2018 Supreme Court decision to overturn PASPA, the convergence of media and wagering has created fertile ground for innovation. ESPN, synonymous with sports entertainment for decades, seems poised to capitalize on this evolution, but its success is far from guaranteed.
ESPN’s Brand Equity: A Built-in Advantage?
ESPN’s brand recognition is unparalleled in the sports world. For millions, the network is a trusted source of news, analysis, and live sports content. This established trust is a critical asset in the betting industry, where credibility and reliability significantly influence customer choices. Unlike newer entrants, ESPN doesn’t need to build its audience from scratch—it can tap into a loyal base of sports fans who already engage with its ecosystem.
Moreover, ESPN’s ability to integrate betting content seamlessly into its broadcasts and digital platforms could offer a unique edge. From real-time odds updates during games to expert betting analysis on flagship shows, ESPN has the infrastructure to make sports betting a natural extension of its content offerings.
Challenges in the Competitive Landscape
Despite its advantages, ESPN faces significant hurdles. The sports betting industry is fiercely competitive, with established operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM already commanding substantial market share. These companies have invested heavily in user acquisition, technology, and partnerships to dominate the space.
For ESPN, entering this saturated market requires more than brand strength. Success will hinge on its ability to deliver a compelling user experience, innovative features, and competitive odds. The network’s partnership with Penn Entertainment, which includes rebranding Penn’s sportsbook to ESPN Bet, is a strategic move. However, Penn’s track record in the betting space has been mixed, and its previous ventures with Barstool Sportsbook fell short of expectations.
The Role of Cross-Promotion and Content Integration
One of ESPN’s most significant advantages lies in its ability to cross-promote its betting platform across multiple channels. With a vast array of digital assets, including ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and its social media presence, the network can drive traffic to ESPN Bet in ways that few competitors can match.
Content integration also presents a unique opportunity. By embedding betting features directly into live broadcasts and digital experiences, ESPN can create a seamless journey from watching to wagering. For instance, interactive features allowing viewers to place bets on in-game events without leaving the broadcast could redefine the sports betting experience.
Trust and Responsible Gambling
In an industry often criticized for its potential to encourage problem gambling, ESPN’s reputation as a responsible and family-friendly brand will be scrutinized. The network must navigate this tension carefully, balancing the promotion of its betting platform with a commitment to responsible gambling practices. Transparent communication, robust player protection measures, and partnerships with advocacy groups will be essential to maintaining its credibility.
The Future of Media and Sports Betting
ESPN’s venture into sports betting is part of a broader trend of media companies entering the gambling space. Competitors like FOX Bet and NBC’s partnership with PointsBet have demonstrated varying degrees of success, highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of such initiatives. For ESPN, the stakes are high. A successful entry could solidify its position as a leader in sports entertainment and open new revenue streams. Failure, however, could tarnish its legacy.
Ultimately, ESPN’s success in sports betting will depend on its ability to leverage its brand while innovating in a rapidly evolving market. By combining its unparalleled reach with strategic partnerships and a focus on responsible gambling, ESPN has the potential to redefine the sports betting experience. Whether this potential translates into market dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the intersection of media and betting is just getting started.
Industry News
EGBA: Record Participation As European Safer Gambling Week Expands to 26 Countries
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) announced record-breaking results from its fourth annual European Safer Gambling Week, held 18-24 November. The initiative – which included a social media campaign and events programme – demonstrated the broader European sector’s strengthening commitment to safer gambling through new levels of participation and expanded geographic reach.
The campaign saw record engagement with 195 partners actively participating – a 20% increase from 2023. Eight national gambling authorities participated, more than double the previous year, by either joining the social media campaign or speaking at the various events.
The campaign’s reach also expanded significantly to 26 countries – a 30% increase from 2023 – with partners in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine joining for the first time, reflecting the growing pan-European dimension of the campaign. This was helped by social media graphics being made available in the local languages of 27 countries.
The social media campaign reached 3.1 million users across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X platforms, generating 1169 social media posts – a 67% increase from the previous year.
A cornerstone of this year’s campaign was its comprehensive events programme, featuring 20 specialised events – an 11% increase from 2023. The events attracted record participation with 4500 registrations and 3000 attendees. Key discussions explored trends in AI, problem gambling prevalence reporting and innovations in safer gambling tools and messaging. The events featured 105 speakers, including senior representatives from gambling authorities in Belgium, Denmark, France and the UK.
The initiative builds on EGBA members’ year-round commitment to safer gambling, which in 2023 resulted in 67 million safety messages sent to their European customers. This dedicated week amplifies these ongoing efforts while encouraging greater collaboration between operators, regulators and harm prevention organisations.
“The success of this year’s edition reflects the sector’s deepening commitment to player protection. The significant increase in participation, especially from health organisations and regulatory authorities, demonstrates the common purpose and growing unity in our approach to safer gambling. Through this collaboration, we’ve reached a record number of Europeans with crucial safety messages during the campaign. Together, we’re making gambling safer and we already look forward to building on this success in next year’s edition,” said Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA.
Industry News
CT Gaming to Participate in ICE Barcelona 2025
CT Gaming is going to participate in ICE Barcelona 2025, which will take place from 20 to 22 Jan 2025.
“It is always a pleasure to kick off the year at ICE. This year is particularly special as we explore a new location, which we anticipate will bring fresh connections and exciting opportunities,” said Biser Bozhanov, Director of Business Development and Strategies at CT Gaming.
Positioned at stand #3C56, CT Gaming will present an impressive lineup of its signature products alongside exciting new additions, including the multigame Diamond King 4.
“We are eager to showcase our latest offerings and engage with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals to gather their valuable feedback. This year’s selection is a strong testament to CT Gaming’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence,” added Bozhanov.
Among the products displayed at stand #3C56 will be the slot cabinet NEXT, known for its ultimate comfort and functionality. This cabinet comes with 27″ or 32″ high-definition screens, an optional premium stand, a USB phone charger, a bill validator with a stacker and an enlarged CMS panel for seamless operation. Other representatives from the slot cabinet family are EZ Modulo 32/32/32 and EZ Tower. Both of these cabinets combine sleek designs with advanced technology set to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.
Alongside the slot cabinets, the company will showcase its staple multigame titles, such as Diamond King 3, Mermaid’s Quest, Tower Link and the newest addition to the multigame portfolio – Diamond King 4. With 40 exciting games, 20 of which are linked to a progressive jackpot, the multigame takes player engagement to new heights. Unlike previous versions, players can now win any of the three jackpot levels directly from the base game, while the cascading white and pink diamonds promise thrilling rewards at every turn. Designed with the next generation of players in mind, Diamond King 4 features enhanced graphics, modern themes and an immersive experience that’s perfectly in sync with today’s gaming landscape. The newly conceptualized linked progressive jackpot, Diamond Tree Deluxe, presents an elevated reward experience with its upgraded features.
Last but not least, CT Gaming will unveil the latest updates to its Casino Management System – Rhino, designed to enhance operator functionality and player engagement.
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