IGSA Urges Industry to Combat Fragmentation
The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) is intensifying its efforts to standardize global gambling regulations and safeguard the industry from growing cybersecurity threats. While the association has long collaborated with stakeholders to develop uniform regulatory policies and system processes, IGSA President Mark Pace emphasizes that more needs to be done—especially regarding cybersecurity and AI oversight.
Fragmented Regulations Hurt Global Operators
Pace points out that although some mature markets, like the European Union, have adopted frameworks such as the 2021 EN17531 data reporting standard, most gambling regulations remain highly fragmented. This patchwork of rules creates significant hurdles for international operators, particularly in Europe, where navigating inconsistent technical requirements drains resources and slows innovation.
To solve this, IGSA aims to standardize up to 90% of technical regulations across markets. “If we focused on getting 85% to 90% standardization, the benefits would be enormous,” Pace says. He acknowledges that full harmonization may be unrealistic, but insists a high degree of uniformity is still achievable and necessary.
Cybersecurity Now a Top Industry Priority
Beyond regulatory fragmentation, cybersecurity has become one of the biggest threats to the gambling industry. Pace warns that many regions lack robust cybersecurity audits or rely on rudimentary checks. He calls for stricter standards across the technical supply chain—from chip manufacturing to device integration—to prevent bad actors from exploiting vulnerabilities.
The recent MGM cyberattack, which cost the operator $100 million, highlights the urgent need for reform. As threats increase, IGSA is creating a cyber resiliency framework to help regulators and operators understand risks, improve defenses, and adopt best practices.
Call for More Transparency After Breaches
Pace also urges industry-wide transparency following cyberattacks. Delays in disclosing breaches, he argues, only help cybercriminals. “Bad actors talk to each other. Good actors need to do the same,” he states. Open communication can prevent repeat attacks and protect consumer data more effectively.
AI Standards Committee in the Works
To address the rise of AI, IGSA is forming an AI Standards Committee to develop ethical guidelines and frameworks for its deployment. Rather than focusing on algorithmic code, regulators should instead examine the quality and bias of data being used, Pace explains. IGSA expects to publish eight best practices for AI implementation later this year.
Conclusion: A Unified, Secure Future for Gambling
As cyber threats and regulatory complexity escalate, IGSA’s push for standardization and transparency could define the next era of safe and sustainable gambling. By aligning stakeholders, the industry can better protect itself and its players in an increasingly digital world.
