Gaming supplier Novomatic AG announced that it has become Austria’s first and only company to win the prestigious G4 certification in the gaming industry’s most important business segments.
G4 is the safe gaming international standard. It was founded by gaming addiction prevention experts and responsible gaming experts in 2003. The standard goes far beyond what is required by law and is known by experts as the most accepted standard in the world covering all of a gaming company’s business segments.
“The Novomatic Group is one of the largest gaming technology companies in the world, employing more than 30,000 people,” said Novomatic CEO Harald Neumann. “This means we have a special responsibility, and will certify the majority of our business in line with the strictest player protection standards around the world.
“This creates a minimum standard that is high across the group, thereby enabling us to help our customers to use our products and services in a safe and conscientious way. This recognition underscores our industry leadership and bears testimony to our efforts to provide responsible entertainment.”
About 100 standards are reviewed before certification is awarded by independent auditors. They range from in-house policies and codes of conduct, staff training on addiction prevention, age recognition and youth safety, to knowledge about gaming risks, self-limiting devices, and self-blocking solutions for consumers. The certificate must be renewed every two years on the basis of the improvements made by re-certification. To reflect the latest scientific discoveries, the standard is continually updated.
The stringent G4 certification process was successfully completed by Novomatic AG and a total of 10 of the top-performing subsidiaries in Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Research is already under way to approve other businesses. It ensures that the lion’s share of Novomatic Group sales and staff will be accredited in compliance with G4.
“We are delighted to have achieved the coveted G4 certification, which is unique in the industry on this scale across many countries and business segments,” said Dr. Eva Glawischnig, head of Group CR & Sustainability. “This illustrates our responsible approach to youth and player protection. Yet, we also show how important responsible gaming is to us in our position as a supplier of technology.”
“I am delighted that Novomatic and its largest international subsidiaries have been certified to the G4 standard in just one year,” said Ynze Remmers, lead auditor at Global Gambling Guidance Group. “Novomatic has set itself apart from the rest by not merely announcing comprehensive and effective player protection, but instead by having it externally audited in line with our strict criteria and by committing to continuous improvement on the basis of our recommendations for future re-certification.”
