The NEXT.io Valletta conference introduced its inaugural Sustainability track this year at the Mediterranean Conference Center. The session focused on environmental, social, and governance standards within the iGaming sector.
Event Overview and Opening Remarks
The program launched at 11:00 in the David Bruce Hall under the organization of Betsson Group. iGEN recorded the proceedings with visual support from 1GameChanger Studio. Jonna Danlund, Head of Sustainability at Betsson Group, opened the schedule and outlined the agenda for the day.Industry Perspectives on Governance and Workforce Standards
Russell Mifsud, Gaming Lead and Director at KPMG, delivered the first presentation titled "Steering the Future: Elevating ESG in the Online Gambling Ecosystem". He detailed how ESG integration influences customer retention, investor interest, and market performance, while addressing operational and ethical challenges. Danlund returned to the stage for "Driving the Sustainability Agenda – Why No Woman, or Man, Is an Island", using Betsson Group’s established ESG framework to illustrate how companies can structure sustainability initiatives and secure internal alignment across departments.Lena Nordin, CHRO at Betsson Group, discussed workforce expectations regarding sustainability, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and belonging as long-term retention factors. She noted that employees increasingly evaluate corporate ESG commitments and work environments, while companies require staff to maintain industry knowledge and drive innovation.
The session concluded with a fireside chat titled "Teaming up for Player Safety – Working Across Functions to Strengthen Positive Play". Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Responsible Gaming, and Viktorija Nikiforova, Head of Customer Service, examined cross-departmental collaboration across global locations to support responsible gambling practices.