On 11 November, during SiGMA Europe 2024, industry professionals convened in the Provence Room of the Hotel Excelsior for the workshop titled “ESG Workshop: Defining the Destination”. This workshop focused on sustainability through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The session featured a panel of experts, including Floris Assies of Better World Casinos, Jessica Maier of EGAKA, Fiorella San Martin Pizarro from L&L Europe, Glen Smith from iGen, Reuben Portanier from GTG Advisory, Rachel Decelis from KPMG Malta, and ESG consultant Adriana Frank. They discussed the challenges and responsibilities different business departments face regarding sustainability and ESG initiatives.
“We’re all stuck in the paradigm that business is supposed to be like this—it’s about profit maximisation and shareholder premises. But my take is that, our constant need for wanting to make profits is the cause of most problems. We became very greedy.”
Floris Assies, Founder & CEO of Better World Casino
Assies, as the panel moderator, began the workshop by sharing his inspiring journey into the world of ESG and its transformative impact on the business landscape, particularly in the gaming market. He led a discussion with the panel members about the challenges and promising opportunities associated with integrating ESG into iGaming operations.
As the conversation progressed, Maier and Decelis talked about how balancing profit generation with ethical and environmental considerations was crucial. Portanier emphasised that this balanced approach is essential for the industry’s success, as it promotes financial growth while ensuring a responsible long-term impact on society and the environment.
“So it becomes like a marriage, sometimes of convenience, but sometimes it could be a marriage of choice. Now when we’re talking about ESG, in my view, as we speak today, most are still seeing it as a marriage of convenience.”
Reuben Portanier, Advisory Partner at GTG
During the discussion, Pizzaro highlighted the critical role of leadership in advancing ESG initiatives. Executives and board members must prioritise and allocate resources effectively to drive these initiatives. Their commitment to transparency and accountability is essential for building trust in the industry.
Smith emphasised the need for collaboration among regulators, operators, suppliers, and investors to develop effective ESG practices in the iGaming industry. He highlighted the benefits of adopting these principles, such as improved reputations, better risk management, and attracting new investors. At the same time, Pizzaro underscored that embracing sustainable practices contributes to a more equitable world and secures long-term success.
This workshop was just one of the engaging events organised as part of SiGMA Europe 2024. To discover more about the activities and events planned, check out the agenda and don’t miss out on all the action!
