In an announcement
made earlier today New Zealand's Internal Affairs Minister, Peter Dunne, stated
the New Zealand Lottery has been internationally recognized by the World Lottery
Association (WLA) for its commitment to providing lottery players with a safe
gaming environment.
The WLA
currently represents the interests of over 140 lotteries from all over the
world, but lotteries must adhere to strict quality guidelines (set by the WLA)
before they can secure WLA membership.
There are
four levels to the WLA's Responsible Gaming Framework, with Level 4 being the
highest grade of certification available. Lotto New Zealand's gaming programme was
awarded Level 2 status in 2009 and the lottery's continued persistence to
improving their products and service has resulted in them being elevated to
Level 3.
"Lotto
New Zealand provides safe lottery and gaming products that allow New Zealanders
to play and win while contributing money back to the community," Dunne
said. "This international certification is a testament to the focus that
Lotto New Zealand places on providing a gaming environment that encourages
responsible play and on continually improving the services they provide their
players."
Recent
improvements to the lottery's responsible gaming programme include, problem
gambling training for lotto retailers and additional information for lottery
players.
A large
proportion of lottery funds is reinvested in local communities and last year
over $200 million was transferred to the Lottery Grants Board and used to
support organization such as the New Zealand Film commission and Sport New
Zealand as well as over 3,000 smaller projects.
"Lotto
New Zealand is to be congratulated in receiving this international endorsement
that recognizes this high practice standard and contributions," Dunne
said.
