IGSA urges stronger gambling cybersecurity and transparency

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) is at the forefront of unifying regulatory policies and system processes within the gambling industry. As the sector faces increasingly complex challenges, particularly stemming from advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity threats, IGSA emphasizes the need for robust and unified standards.

### Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges

Earlier this year, Mark Pace, President of IGSA, underscored cybersecurity as a paramount concern within the gambling landscape. He pointed out that while established markets like the European Union are advancing in areas such as responsible gambling and data accountability—evidenced by the introduction of the EN17531 standard in 2021—regulatory frameworks remain largely uncoordinated. This lack of cohesion complicates the ability to enforce consistent standards across various jurisdictions.

### The Need for Standardization in Regulations

Pace advocates that as much as 90% of technical and operational requirements can be standardized. This standardization would streamline regulatory compliance for global operators, who frequently encounter confusing and divergent regulations, particularly in Europe. Such an approach could significantly reduce the compliance burden on operators while enhancing operational efficiency.

IGSA, founded in 1998, collaborates with approximately 20 member companies—including prominent European gambling entities like IGT, Merkur, Novomatic, and Intralot—to formulate common standards and best practices tailored for regulators, operators, and suppliers.

### The Potential Impact of Standardization

Pace states, “If we achieved 85% to 90% standardization, it could have a transformative effect on the industry.” To mitigate discrepancies in regulatory requirements, IGSA develops standardized frameworks encompassing technical systems, player interfaces, gaming device protocols, and regulatory reporting tools.

While Pace acknowledges that each jurisdiction presents distinct challenges shaped by cultural nuances and governance frameworks, he asserts that these variances represent only a small portion of the challenges the industry faces. He believes that a large majority of problems can be effectively addressed through structured, standardized systems. Furthermore, while acknowledging the inherent risks, he insists that the sector must cultivate a proactive awareness of potential threats.

### Collaboration with Regulatory Authorities

To further bolster these efforts, IGSA actively communicates and collaborates with organizations such as the International Association of Gaming Regulators and various national regulatory bodies. This collaboration ensures that the evolving needs and challenges of the sector are addressed responsively.

Pace highlights the importance of developing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies: “When implementing a cyber resiliency framework, there are critical considerations that need to be taken into account. This is precisely what we are formulating within our cyber resiliency committee.”

### Promoting Transparency and Accountability

A key part of creating effective cybersecurity strategies is fostering a culture of transparency. Pace stresses the necessity for operators to disclose security breaches promptly, stating, “The industry needs to prioritize responsibility and transparency. If a casino faces a cyber breach, it’s imperative to acknowledge it rather than remain silent for months.”

By fostering an environment where information about breaches is shared—both among ‘good actors’ and in contrast to the ‘bad actors’—the gambling sector can collectively fortify its defenses against cyber threats. The reluctance to disclose incidents only serves to exacerbate vulnerabilities, thereby compromising the integrity and trust that are vital in the gambling industry.

### Conclusion

In summary, the role of the International Gaming Standards Association in shaping a secure, standardized framework for the gambling industry cannot be overstated. By prioritizing cybersecurity, advocating for regulatory uniformity, and encouraging transparency among operators, IGSA is paving the way for a safer and more resilient gaming environment. As the industry evolves, embracing these strategies will not only mitigate risks but also enhance operational efficiencies, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.