As proof of its unwavering devotion to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence, International Game Technology PLC (IGT) proudly announced that the company has achieved the highest possible MSCI ESG rating—AAA.

This stellar score from the global rating agency reflects IGT’s year-over-year progress in managing ESG-related risks and capitalizing on opportunities, positioning the company as a sustainability leader in its sector.

Navigating ESG Terrain – IGT’s Yearly Surge

IGT’s remarkable achievement in securing a AAA rating underscores its proactive approach to ESG considerations. The MSCI ESG Ratings, which evaluate a company’s resilience to long-term ESG risks, place IGT at the forefront of the industry, reflecting the company’s strategic alignment with sustainable practices.

Breaking down the AAA score, the company shines particularly bright in key categories. Governance, product safety and quality, carbon emissions management, and labor practices are standout areas where IGT has garnered high marks. This well-rounded performance underscores IGT’s holistic desire for sustainable practices, from governance excellence to reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring the highest standards in product safety.

MSCI ESG Research, the esteemed global authority on ESG evaluations, employs a meticulous process to assess and rate companies on a AAA-CCC scale relative to their industry peers. IGT’s top-tier rating speaks volumes about its conscientious business practices, with a focus on minimizing risks and capitalizing on opportunities in a rapidly evolving ESG landscape.

Insights for Investors, MSCI’s Critical Role

MSCI’s ESG Ratings offer investors invaluable insights into a company’s ESG-related practices. By providing a comprehensive analysis of thousands of companies globally, MSCI equips institutional investors with the tools to make informed decisions, identifying both risks and opportunities that might escape conventional investment research.

As IGT proudly displays its AAA ESG Rating, the company stands as a beacon of sustainable excellence in the gaming industry, reinforcing its loyalty to responsible business practices and resilience in the face of evolving ESG dynamics.

Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability said: “IGT achieving the MSCI AAA ESG rating demonstrates our strong commitment to enhancing our company-wide sustainability results through our ongoing Sustainable Play initiatives. Sustainability is embedded throughout our daily operations as we focus on creating long-term value for our key stakeholders.”

Source: ”IGT Achieves Highest-Possible MSCI ESG Rating of AAA”. European Gaming. January 26, 2024.

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Video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) has decided not to appeal a recent fine it received in Austria because of its loot box-styled products. The gaming company emphasized its disagreement with the decision but decided not to contest the authorities’ judgment.

The fine was handed to EA after an Austrian court decided that the company’s FIFA Ultimate Team Packs are in breach of Austria’s gambling regulations. Similar to other similar digital products, the packs can be bought with real money and contain virtual assets that are usually generated at random.

Loot boxes are one of the hot topics of the video gaming industry. Because of their inherent similarities to gambling, many argue that they can serve as “gateway products” that incentivize young people to wager. Others claim that that the boxes themselves constitute gambling.

In any case, EA disagrees with the notion that its products constitute gambling. The company stands firm by its belief that its products are legal and in line with Australia’s regulations.

What EA Has to Say on the Matter?

An EA spokesperson expressed how the company feels about the current case. They underscored that EA believes the court “got both the facts and law wrong” in the case.

The spokesperson confirmed that EA does not intend to file an appeal since the decision will not have a profound effect on its business. However, the company still believes that it is in the right.

While we’ve decided not to appeal this narrow decision, which has no broader legal impact beyond this individual claim, we are confident that our games do not constitute gambling and that we are in full compliance with local laws.

EA spokesperson

The spokesperson added that EA is confident in the legality of its products and pointed out that regulators in multiple jurisdictions all over the world have previously ruled in favor of EA in similar cases. They noted that this includes another case in Australia that was decided by the very same Austrian Regional Court.

We design our games to bring choice, fairness, value and fun – we are committed to ensuring our Austrian players continue to have access to the same game and features as the millions of other players who enjoy them.

EA spokesperson

The video gaming sector remains divided on the topic of loot boxes. Regulators in multiple markets are equally inconclusive about how such products should be regulated. Still, the UK government recently released new guidelines for such products.

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