WLA-SCS certification

The WLA-SCS certification audit by TÜV NORD Greece (TÜV NORD) ensures the security and integrity of state-licensed gaming and sports betting providers worldwide.

The success of gambling and sports betting activities is largely based on the trust of the participants and stakeholders. Recognising the need for a comprehensive security and integrity standard, tailored to the requirements of gaming and sports betting operators, theWorld Lottery Association-WLA developed the WLA Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS).

Gambling has evolved into a popular form of entertainment, offering participants the prospect of substantial financial gains. Beyond the thrill of the potential for profit, the gaming industry is a significant source of government revenue, supporting various public services worldwide. It represents a huge sector, employing thousands of people and requiring the highest security protocols and commitment to integrity.

At the core of ensuring rigorous security practices in the industry is the World Gaming Association's Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS). This specialized standard is essential to building and maintaining trust in the global gaming industry. This document outlines the key features of the WLA, the role of the WLA-SCS, and its correlation with the globally recognised information security standard ISO 27001.

The World Lottery Association (WLA) is a membership organisation representing state-licensed gaming and sports betting operators around the world. Founded in 1999, it has grown to include more than 140 members in over 80 countries. As a leading authority in the gaming industry, the WLA's mission is to facilitate cooperation, knowledge sharing and mutual support among its members. In addition, it promotes the maintenance of the highest ethical standards, ensuring that the gaming industry operates responsibly, safely and reliably.

 

The importance of safety in the gambling industry is immense. Given the large volume of financial transactions that take place, this sector is a potential target for various fraudulent activities and criminal acts. Gambling organisations must ensure the integrity of all aspects of their operations, including ticket sales and the distribution of winnings.

Any breaches of security can lead to financial losses, a reduction in player confidence and damage to the reputation of the organisations, which could undermine the credibility of the entire industry. The implementation of specific security standards tailored to the needs of the gambling sector is therefore absolutely essential.

 

In response to the need for a comprehensive security framework tailored to the requirements of the gaming industry, the WLA has introduced the Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS). The WLA-SCS is a set of guidelines designed to ensure the integrity of gaming operations worldwide. It provides a comprehensive security framework, defining best practices for protecting information, personal data, and ensuring the seamless continuity and integrity of operations.

The WLA-SCS is specifically tailored to the unique security challenges facing the gaming industry. It incorporates best practices in information security, risk management and security controls, tailoring them to the specific operational needs of gaming organisations.

The WLA-SCS consists of several key elements, which provide a comprehensive security framework for gaming organisations. These include:

• Security Policy: Establish an organisational security policy that guides and regulates all security-related actions.
• Organisational Security: defining roles, responsibilities and procedures for managing security within the organisation.
• Asset Management: Identification and categorisation of information assets and implementation of protection measures.
• Human Resources Security: Ensuring that employees, external partners and other users are aware of their security responsibilities and are appropriately qualified.
• Physical and Environmental Security: protecting physical facilities from threats such as natural disasters, theft and vandalism.
• Operations Management: Creating a secure operational environment for information processing.
• Communications Security: Ensuring the security of information on networks and related infrastructure.
• Access control: ensuring that only authorised persons have access to sensitive information.
• Acquisition, Development and Maintenance of Information Systems: Integrating security throughout the life cycle of information systems.
• Incident Management: Design and implementation of an effective security incident management and response strategy.

Each of these elements is designed to enhance the overall security of any gaming organisation, enabling it to meet the ever-evolving security challenges of the industry.

Earning WLA-SCS certification is formal recognition that an organization complies with the rigorous security standards set forth within the WLA-SCS. To achieve this certification, organisations must first obtain ISO 27001 certification, which is a fundamental requirement.

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), providing a structured approach to managing risks associated with information sources. ISO 27001 certification serves as a fundamental requirement for WLA-SCS certification, as it demonstrates that an organization has established strong information security practices. These practices can then be further strengthened to meet the specific requirements outlined in the WLA-SCS.

Once ISO 27001 certification is obtained, the organization can implement the additional security controls specified in the WLA-SCS. Following the implementation of these controls, a WLA-approved certification body will conduct an inspection to assess compliance with the WLA-SCS and the effectiveness of the organization's security measures. If the organisation successfully passes the audit, the WLA-SCS certification is awarded.

Achieving WLA-SCS certification offers multiple benefits to gaming organisations, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining the highest security standards.

• Enhanced Trust: WLA-SCS certification increases the credibility of gaming organisations, enhancing the confidence of players, stakeholders and regulators.
• Improved Security: the certification process helps to identify and address potential security gaps, strengthening the overall security framework.
• Regulatory Compliance: WLA-SCS certification ensures compliance with an ever-increasing range of regulatory requirements related to information security.
• Business Continuity: The emphasis on operational security and incident management in WLA-SCS supports the development of comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Competitive Advantage: In an industry where trust is vital, WLA-SCS certification provides a significant advantage over organizations that do not have such certification.
   

As the security industry continues to evolve, it is essential that standards such as WLA-SCS adapt to meet new challenges. WLA has demonstrated its commitment to upgrading and improving the standard, ensuring that it remains relevant in the face of changing threats.

In the future, WLA-SCS is expected to be further integrated with other industry standards and regulatory requirements, promoting a holistic approach to information security. In addition, as the gaming industry adopts new digital technologies, the WLA-SCS should address emerging risks associated with online gaming systems and digital payments.

The WLA-SCS plays a key role in the security of the global gaming industry. Backed by ISO 27001 certification, the WLA-SCS provides a robust security framework that protects both gaming organisations and players.

As the gaming industry continues to innovate and expand its global reach, maintaining the highest standards of security will remain paramount. In this context, the WLA-SCS will continue to guide the industry towards a future based on trust, security and integrity.

As a leading international provider of inspection and verification services, TÜV NORD Greece (TÜV NORD) has the expertise and experience to support your organization in achieving ISO 27001 and WLA-SCS certification.