Betsson Group, a leading global online gaming operator, has strengthened its commitment to quality, sustainability and responsible business practices through the achievement of three ISO certifications and two independent assessments in Italy. These were awarded to Azzurri Ltd, the Group’s locally licensed entity, by Bureau Veritas – a leader in testing, inspection and certification – following extensive audits of the Group’s Italian operations.

With a presence in over 25 markets and a strong focus on regulatory compliance, ESG and customer experience, Betsson Group continues to embed responsible practices across all areas of its business.

The following internationally recognised standards were awarded:

• ISO 9001 – Quality Management: Recognises effective quality management systems that consistently deliver services meeting customer and regulatory requirements.

• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management: Focuses on reducing environmental impact through responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.

• ISO 26000 – Social Responsibility: Reflects a commitment to ethical behaviour, transparency and contributing to sustainable development.

• ISO 30415 – Human Capital: Diversity and Inclusion: Validates inclusive workplace practices that respect human rights and promote equal opportunities.

• ISO 50001 – Energy Management: Acknowledges systematic efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption across operations.

“These certifications reflect our Group-wide commitment to operating responsibly, ethically and sustainably. While the audit was conducted for our Italian operations, the values underpinning these standards – from quality and environmental care to diversity and social responsibility – are deeply embedded across Betsson Group,” said Corinne Valletta, General Counsel at Betsson Group.

“Thanks to Betsson’s strong culture and drive towards operational excellence, continuous improvement and commitment towards ESG, the certification process was fairly straightforward. Kudos to the whole team for their commitment and strong knowledge across all disciplines. Their proactive approach to implementing best practices across multiple disciplines is commendable and aligns with the highest international standards,” said Peter Cain, Country Manager at Bureau Veritas Malta.

Sri Lankan policy think tank has questioned the independence and integrity of the country’s proposed new regulatory body as the government rushes to put the agency in place ahead of next month’s launch of Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

Sudaraka Ariyaratne, Research Consultant at Advocata Institute, said to media that while establishing a regulator was vital to the industry’s long-term future, the planned Gambling Regulatory Authority appears to lack the independence needed to provide proper oversight.

Ariyaratne said: “If you look at the theory of regulation, it is very clear that the regulator has to be an independent body which gives credibility. That is not the case with this Gambling Authority Bill.

“I think the government is trying to push this bill through in a rush because Melco is coming next month. We think Melco would’ve wanted a regulator in place. When it comes to these big names in the gaming industry, the integrity of the market is a big consideration, given the image of the industry, as a whole. They need to sustain a good reputation so that they can attract good customers to whom integrity is important.”

Ariyaratne, who stressed that his think tank supports the idea of a legal, regulated gambling industry, added that the Gambling Regulatory Authority in its current form risks being a proxy for the nation’s Finance Minister.

“Even if it’s not a proper regulator, as long as it gives the perception of integrity, that’s what [operators] are looking for, to engender market confidence,” he said.

“The danger with this bill is that it won’t even give a perception of integrity, if the Minister of Finance can basically do whatever he or she wants.”

Ariyaratne added that Sri Lanka would be better served to withdraw its current bill and resubmit a more comprehensive version.