Driving Sustainability Forward: Insights from the EL Environmental Webinar

The European Lotteries (EL) Environmental Initiative launched its September webinar series by bringing together sustainability leaders, industry experts, and lottery professionals to explore the evolving regulatory landscape, practical strategies, and real-world success stories shaping environmental action across the lottery sector.

The session highlighted how lotteries can:

• Navigate complex EU regulations with clarity and confidence
• Reduce operational costs through practical, efficiency-driven measures
• Implement environmental initiatives that deliver measurable impact

Laura Da Silva opened the session with a warm welcome, stressing the growing importance of embedding environmental priorities into core business strategies. She noted that while several topics focused on EU-specific regulations, the insights shared were valuable for lotteries globally, offering practical guidance for operators both inside and outside Europe.

European Lotteries Environmental Initiative: Overview

Melissa Jacquerioz, Head of Sustainability at the European Lotteries Association, introduced the EL Environmental Initiative, a programme designed to support member lotteries in achieving tangible environmental improvements.

Key points included:

• Objectives: promote ecological responsibility across the lottery sector.
• Support programmes: access to practical guidelines, training, and shared best practices.
• Membership benefits: opportunities for collaboration and alignment with EU environmental priorities.

Her message was clear: sustainability efforts gain momentum when lotteries work together and leverage shared resources effectively.

Navigating the Evolving EU Regulatory Landscape

Kim Knowles then guided participants through the changing EU sustainability framework, outlining the key regulations shaping compliance for lotteries and gaming operators:

• CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): new reporting obligations and their implications for lotteries.
• ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards): simplification measures to reduce complexity and reporting burdens.
• EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation): requirements for greater supply chain transparency and environmental accountability.

She also highlighted the EU’s ongoing Omnibus package, which introduces measures such as the Stop-the-Clock Directive and ESRS simplification, aimed at streamlining compliance timelines and cutting reporting requirements without losing the principle of double materiality. 

The session provided a practical roadmap for aligning operations with evolving regulations while reducing compliance complexity and costs.

Case Study: Sustainability in Action at Loterija Slovenije

Tina Djinovski, Head of Sustainability at Loterija Slovenije, shared a compelling real-world case study illustrating how environmental initiatives can deliver both ecological and financial value.

The lottery carried out a comprehensive energy audit, assessing past energy consumption, reviewing existing systems, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Key measures included:

• Lighting renovation to LED technology
• Solar power plant connection for renewable energy generation
• Upgrading heating and cooling systems with hybrid heat pump solutions
• Thermal insulation of external walls

The results spoke for themselves: improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and clear steps for other lotteries to replicate. Some measures, such as façade and window renovations, had longer payback periods, while others, like lighting upgrades and solar panels, delivered significant savings in a shorter time frame.

This case demonstrated that sustainability is not just about regulatory compliance; it can also create financial and operational benefits when approached strategically.

Interactive Q&A: Overcoming Challenges Together

The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to discuss:

• How to overcome barriers to implementing sustainable practices
• Tools and resources for environmental reporting
• Opportunities for cross-lottery collaboration on shared challenges

Access the Full Recording and Presentations

The full recording and presentations from this webinar are available exclusively to European Lotteries Association members who have signed up for the EL Environmental Initiative.

For more information or to request access, please contact hello@digitalrg.com.