Sustainability & Commitment

ESG Strategy

Responsible Gaming & Player Protection

1. BAGO

The six biggest Belgian gambling operators, which form BAGO, proudly signed the Convention on Duty of Care. This convention provides a clear framework in which each operator commits to developing a prevention policy aimed at identifying and addressing problematic gambling behaviors more swiftly, based on scientific criteria. Additionally, it's noteworthy that our CEO, Emmanuel Mewissen, serves as the vice-president of BAGO.

Duty of care agreement

In response to the growing concerns regarding problematic gambling behavior, operators in the gambling industry are recognizing the need for proactive measures to ensure safer practices. The implementation of a Duty of Care Agreement reflects this commitment to responsible gambling practices. Gaming1, along with other members of BAGO (Belgian Association of Gaming Operators), which it co-founded and actively participates in, has ratified this agreement. Key aspects of the agreement include leveraging technology to monitor player behavior effectively, developing individualized prevention approaches based on data and scientific knowledge, and establishing a clear framework for all legal operators to adhere to in safeguarding players. The agreement outlines specific pillars for operators to focus on, such as systematic monitoring of online player behavior, implementing protective measures like informed risk awareness and voluntary deposit limits, and providing education and training programs for staff. Additionally, the agreement emphasizes collaboration with regulatory authorities to integrate its principles into legislation and establish effective monitoring mechanisms. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding advertising restrictions which hinder legal operators' ability to compete with illegal ones. Evaluation of the impact of these restrictions is proposed to inform potential adjustments to advertising regulations for a more balanced playing field.

2. Prevention and player protection tools

In order to anticipate and prevent problematic gaming behavior, we have implemented various prevention and player protection measures, both within our physical establishments and online. These measures include moderation and self-regulation tools accessible to players, such as assessment tests, spending limits, and options to take breaks. Additionally, we prioritize informing players about the risks associated with gambling through displays in our gaming halls, prevention campaigns, informational materials, links to support centers, and personalized emails for vulnerable players, in line with recommendations from the Belgian Gaming Commission.

Our teams are continually striving to enhance our prevention and player protection tools, while also exploring innovative detection methods. In line with this objective, we have introduced our Proactive Detection Tool, which uses state-of-the-art technology designed to identify early signs of gambling addiction. This tool utilizes risk indicators such as prolonged session duration or escalating deposit amounts. Powered by artificial intelligence and data science, this system effectively identifies and monitors players at risk. Subsequently, our Responsible Gaming team utilizes machine learning technology to analyze problematic behaviors, enabling them to offer prompt assistance to affected players.

SOS JEUX on 0800 35 77

3. Supporting research

Responsible gaming is a priority for all staff members of Gaming1, and the Responsible Gaming department oversees all initiatives related to the matter. To this end, we have established a collaboration with Xavier Noël from the Gaming Clinic at Brugmann University Hospital. Additionally, we have donated to the University of Brussels to aid behavioral research concerning gambling addiction.

4. Illegal gambling sites

While the online gaming sector has witnessed substantial growth, it has been accompanied by a proliferation of illegal gaming platforms. For years, Gaming1 has been steadfastly challenging this unfair competition through continuous advocacy efforts. Today, the market is flooded with illegal operators, who bombard players with promotional messages. To guide players towards legal and regulated platforms, thus ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment, it is imperative to strengthen the legal sector's competitiveness. To achieve this goal, we prominently display a designated logo across our platforms, aiming to raise awareness and educate our players about the importance of carefully choosing the websites they engage with.

Our employees

1. Top Employer

Gaming1 was named Top Employer for the first time in 2022, becoming the first company in the Belgian gaming market to receive this certification. Achieving an overall score of 76%, Gaming1 excelled in international recruitment and onboarding processes, highlighted by the recruitment and integration of 140 new employees. The company's new hub in the Guillemins neighborhood emphasizes collaboration and flexibility, providing spaces designed for diverse working styles and full accessibility for people with disabilities. Additionally, Gaming1's values, including pleasure, team spirit, boldness, performance and integrity, received a perfect score of 100%. These values are central to the company culture, demonstrated through various events and programs throughout the year, promoting employee well-being and teamwork.

2. Training program

The company also prioritizes its training program, aiming to empower every individual to develop their natural talents and pursue their aspirations. The goal is to enhance employees' knowledge and skills, while fostering creativity and innovation. To achieve this, we establish training pathways during onboarding and continue to offer development opportunities throughout the employee's career path. To that end, each employee is allocated a personal budget to pursue the training of their choice.

3. Formalia

Formalia is the partner for the training program for all people managers within the Gaming1 group.) This 7-day training program focuses on talent management, rather than weaknesses, with the goal of placing the human element at the center of managerial leadership.

4. eNPS

In 2022, we asked our employees to participate in a satisfaction survey. The results were positive, with an eNPS of 4.2 out of 5. A new survey has been launched in 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to continuously improve the well-being of our employees.

Our community

1. Ardent Awards

Since 2016, Ardent Group, the group to which Gaming1 partly belongs, has been hosting the Ardent Awards to endorse and recognize projects addressing prevalent social issues like disability, childhood, or integration. Each year, a jury selects 5 associations from the Liège region to receive a grant to bring their chosen project to life. The Ardent Awards evolve annually and were expanded in 2020 to include the Prix des Communes, which rewards a municipality in the province of Liège. In 2022, associations aiding families with social and professional integration, training future guide dogs, facilitating sports activities for individuals in wheelchairs, supporting local bakeries, and assisting children with visual impairments were honored. Additionally, in 2023, the municipality of Hannut was selected to receive support for the development of their new application, which promotes sustainable mobility by planning safe routes for vulnerable users and offering incentives for local shop patronage.

2. Digital4Youth

Whenever computers reach the end of their warranty period, they are donated to charitable associations. For example, Gaming1 is donating working laptops and spare parts to Digital4Youth, an association dedicated to providing digital access to Belgian children and young people.

3. Raffles for charity

The group organizes raffles in its gaming halls and casinos, and all proceeds are donated to charity.

4. Supporting cultural, sports and charity associations

We also support cultural associations such as the Theatre of Liège and the Buren project at Liège-Guillemins station, as well as numerous sports associations in Belgium, including the Circus Brussels Basketball club, the Intermarché Circus Wanty cycling team, and certain football clubs such as Standard de Liège and KAA Gent.

Governance

1. New compliance policies

To provide a framework for the governance of the Gaming1 Group, we rely on:

The Code of Conduct, which outlines the standards for the responsible and ethical behavior expected from all staff members at Gaming1.
Our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, which details the strategies implemented within Gaming1 to combat unethical practices.
The Whistleblowing Policy, which defines the steps for employees to report any observed unethical behavior within the company.

2. Choosing to operate in 100% regulated markets

Today, in addition to its status as a leader in Belgium, Gaming1 is present in 5 countries in Western Europe, including Portugal, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Since its creation, operating solely in regulated markets, Gaming1 has exclusively focused on legal, responsible and ethical gaming. Gaming1 aims to provide the best gaming experience in a responsible manner and focused on regulated markets.

Environment

1. Carbon Footprint

EMISSIONS PAR SCOPE	LOCATION-BASED	MARKET-BASED
Scope 1	942 tCO2 e	942 tCO2 e
Scope 2	71 tCO2 e	64 tCO2 e
Scope 3	2,942 tCO2 e	2,942 tCO2 e

2. BREEAM Certification

In 2021, we relocated our offices to a brand-new hub in the heart of Liège. These modern facilities are environmentally conscious and hold the prestigious BREEAM certification, which is a benchmark for sustainable construction practices. Our new hub in Malta has also been awarded the BREEAM certification, with the rating 'very good'.

3. Soft mobility

The hub, strategically situated opposite the Guillemins station and several bus stops, stands as a meticulously planned initiative focusing on mobility, accessibility and minimizing carbon footprint. We actively promote sustainable mobility by offering four shared bicycles that our staff members can conveniently book through our intranet, and we are also increasing the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in our fleet.

Emphasizing remote meetings over traditional business trips aligns with our commitment to reducing environmental impact. Given our widespread online presence with employees and partners spanning various countries, we prioritize minimizing business travel whenever feasible. Utilizing tools like Microsoft Teams has become integral to our daily operations, fostering both efficiency and environmental stewardship. Moreover, our employees have the flexibility to work remotely for up to 50% of their time, significantly curtailing commuting between home and the office.

Achievements & Goals

Over the last 3 years, Gaming1:

2021 : took action against addiction by funding research at the Brugmann University Hospital in Brussels
2021 : launched its Proactive Detection Tool on the online operations to prevent gambling addiction
2022 : Implemented its new compliance policies (Code of conduct, ABC, Whistleblowing, AML, etc.)
2022 : earned its first Top Employer certificate
2022 : received first ESG rating
2023 : published its first sustainability report
2023 : published its first carbon footprint report
2023 : became a member of UN Global Compact
2023 : committed to the SBTi
2023 : signed the Duty of Care Convention
2023 : reached a total of more than €500,000 donated since the creation of the Ardent Awards

Our goals for the next 3 years :

2024 : integrate sustainable purchasing practices within our procurement team
2025 : communicate our plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
2026 : comply with CSRD