WhiteHat Gaming Review - ESG and Sustainability Performance (2024)

ESG Summary

Transparency			White Hat Gaming demonstrates a moderate level of transparency through its sustainability reporting and disclosure of governance practices. While there is room for improvement, the company provides insights into its operations and financial performance. Adherence to governance norms, sustainability reporting, and disclosure of environmental initiatives. More detailed information on waste and water management practices would enhance transparency.
ESG Strategy			White Hat Gaming’s ESG strategy is not explicitly detailed in publicly available sources. While the company has a positive industry reputation suggesting a commitment to ESG values, specific information on its strategy and reporting framework is limited. Positive industry reputation for ESG values and potential commitment to responsible business practices. Clearer communication and disclosure of the company’s ESG strategy and implementation plans would provide stakeholders with valuable insights.
Sanctions			In 2021, White Hat Gaming faced penalties from the UK Gambling Commission, resulting in a settlement payment. Limited information is available on the impact of these penalties and measures for improvement. Addressing regulatory challenges and maintaining operational transparency. Clearer communication on the impact of penalties and measures taken to prevent future issues.
3rd Party Rating			White Hat Gaming has received awards and recognition within the iGaming industry, showcasing its commitment to innovation and excellence. Notable awards include being named one of Sweden’s Career Companies of the Year 2022. Positive industry recognition, including awards for innovation and social responsibility. Continued efforts to enhance public ratings and receive more industry awards could further improve this score.

Company Overview

About the Company

Founded in 2012, White Hat Gaming is a prominent player in the iGaming industry, offering a diverse array of services that include an iGaming platform, white-label solutions, and licensing services. The company has garnered a positive industry reputation through collaborations with major players such as Bally’s, Kambi Group, Pariplay, WynnBET, and Betsson. While employee feedback indicates a favorable work environment, specific details regarding White Hat Gaming’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts are currently undisclosed.

White Hat Gaming has established itself as a leader in the iGaming sector, providing comprehensive solutions for online casinos and sportsbooks. With a track record of successful partnerships and a commitment to innovation, the company continues to expand its reach in key markets such as the United Kingdom, Europe, and the USA. Despite the lack of detailed information on its ESG practices, White Hat Gaming’s collaborations with reputable industry leaders suggest a potential commitment to responsible business practices and sustainability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

As of the latest available information, specific financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for White Hat Gaming, such as Total Revenue, Total Operating Costs, Total Taxes, and Total Profit, are not publicly disclosed. These figures are crucial for assessing the company’s financial health, profitability, and operational efficiency. Without access to this data, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive analysis of White Hat Gaming’s financial performance and stability. As the company continues its operations and releases financial reports, these KPIs will be important metrics to monitor for stakeholders and investors seeking insights into its financial standing and growth trajectory.

ESG Overview

White Hat Gaming’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values is indicated by its positive industry reputation. However, specific details regarding the company’s explicit ESG strategy and reporting framework are currently unavailable. This lack of detailed information limits a comprehensive understanding of White Hat Gaming’s governance practices and the extent of its sustainability efforts. As stakeholders increasingly prioritize ESG considerations in their investment decisions, transparency regarding the company’s ESG initiatives will be essential for building trust and demonstrating a commitment to responsible business practices. Further disclosure on White Hat Gaming’s ESG strategy and implementation plans would provide stakeholders with valuable insights into its efforts to address environmental impacts, social responsibilities, and governance practices.

Environmental Impact

White Hat Gaming’s specific environmental initiatives, emissions data, and sustainability reports are currently not publicly available. This lack of transparency necessitates a closer examination of the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Details regarding its emissions, including scope, supplier engagement, and other related factors, are not disclosed, hindering a comprehensive understanding of its environmental impact. To demonstrate a stronger commitment to sustainability, White Hat Gaming could consider setting measurable targets for emissions reduction and implementing initiatives to mitigate its environmental footprint.

Social Performance

Internally, White Hat Gaming receives positive feedback from employees, highlighting a good work environment. However, details about career growth opportunities within the company are limited. On Glassdoor, White Hat Gaming has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with 88% of employees willing to recommend the company to a friend. Employee reviews emphasize the presence of good people and a relaxed work environment as notable pros. However, concerns about salary levels have been raised by some employees.

Externally, White Hat Gaming has demonstrated social responsibility through initiatives such as the establishment of the Bally’s Foundation in 2020, showing a commitment to supporting mental health challenges. Additionally, the company encourages community engagement through a volunteer program, fostering positive relationships beyond its operations. In terms of responsible gambling measures, White Hat Gaming’s specific initiatives and practices are not extensively detailed in public sources. Further transparency in this area would provide stakeholders with valuable insights into the company’s commitment to responsible gaming practices. Similarly, details about the company’s responsible marketing practices are not readily available, warranting a closer examination to ensure alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Governance and Compliance

• Code of Conduct:
  • Details about “The Bally Way,” White Hat Gaming’s code of conduct, are not publicly available
  • Transparency on ethical guidelines and business conduct could be improved
• Frameworks & Policies:
  • Lack of publicly disclosed frameworks and policies related to governance
  • Opportunity to establish and publish governance frameworks for clarity and accountability
• Anti-Corruption Measures:
  • Information on specific anti-corruption measures not readily available
  • Enhancing transparency on efforts to combat corruption could improve public perception
• Sustainability Charter:
  • Absence of a publicly stated sustainability charter or similar document
  • Developing and sharing a sustainability charter could demonstrate commitment to ESG principles
• Tax Policies:
  • Details on tax policies and practices not disclosed
  • Opportunity to provide clarity on tax policies and contributions

CEO Compensation:

• Corporate Structure:
  • White Hat Gaming’s corporate structure details are not publicly disclosed
  • Transparency on corporate hierarchy and ownership structure could enhance understanding
• Committees:
  • No specific details available on committees within the company
  • Consideration of establishing and disclosing committees for governance and oversight
• Financials:
  • Revenue growth indicates positive financial performance
  • More detailed financial reports could provide stakeholders with a clearer picture of the company’s financial health and stability
• ESG Commitment and Future Plans:
  • While an ESG Committee oversees initiatives, specific details about the ESG strategy and progress reporting are lacking
  • Enhancing transparency and disclosure for a clearer understanding of long-term sustainability plans is recommended

Sanctions, Controversies, and Concerns

• Penalties from UK Gambling Commission:
  • In 2021, White Hat Gaming faced penalties from the UK Gambling Commission, resulting in a settlement payment
  • The specific nature and impact of these penalties on the company’s operations require clarification
• Complaints and Resolution Rate:
  • Complaints related to gambling, accounts, marketing, and advertising have been reported
  • The company has a resolution rate of 75% for these reported complaints
  • Limited information is available on the nature and scope of these complaints and their resolution
• Other Controversies:
  • Limited public information is available on other potential controversies
  • Further transparency on any past or ongoing controversies would provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive view

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Contributions

White Hat Gaming is dedicated to contributing to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning its operations with global sustainability objectives.

	Through responsible gambling initiatives and the use of reliable metrics, White Hat Gaming prioritizes the well-being of its customers. These efforts aim to create a safe and healthy environment for players to enjoy their gaming experiences.
	White Hat Gaming actively supports diversity and inclusion within its workforce, fostering a multicultural environment across its various locations. This commitment to inclusivity extends to education, ensuring that employees have access to opportunities for learning and growth.
	With a clear objective to achieve a 50:50 gender balance in leadership roles, White Hat Gaming is a staunch advocate for gender equality within the organization. By promoting equal opportunities for all genders, the company strives to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace.
	White Hat Gaming’s initiatives are designed to create a positive work environment for its employees. By fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and growth, the company contributes to the goal of decent work and economic growth.
	The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to reducing inequality within its organization. By providing equal opportunities and promoting a culture of inclusivity, White Hat Gaming works towards minimizing inequalities among its workforce.
	White Hat Gaming is actively engaged in climate targets, waste reduction, and carbon offsetting initiatives. These efforts align with responsible consumption and production practices, aiming to minimize the company’s environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
	Through ambitious climate targets, reduced emissions, and carbon offsetting efforts, White Hat Gaming contributes to addressing climate change. The company recognizes the importance of climate action and is committed to playing its part in mitigating environmental impacts.
	Engaging in partnerships with various organizations, White Hat Gaming collaborates to achieve sustainable development goals. By fostering these partnerships, the company leverages collective expertise and resources to drive positive change and contribute to broader sustainability objectives.

Awards and Recognition

White Hat Gaming has garnered notable acclaim and recognition within the iGaming industry, showcasing its commitment to innovation and excellence.

• 2023 American Gambling Awards: Platform Provider of the Year
  • Date: October 02, 2023
  • Hosted By: American Gambling Awards, produced by Gambling.com Group Limited
  • Award: White Hat Gaming clinched the esteemed title of “Platform Provider of the Year” at the 2023 American Gambling Awards.
  • Innovation: The award was attributed to White Hat Gaming’s revolutionary Travelling Wallet, which significantly enhanced the player experience in iGaming across the United States. This innovative feature eliminates the hassle for players to continuously log in and out of their accounts when transitioning between different states.
  • Industry Impact: As a leading full-service platform, White Hat Gaming’s secure, scalable, and adaptable modular casino and sportsbook Player Account Management (PAM) solution was recognized for its industry impact.
  • Commendation: Charles Gillespie, CEO of Gambling.com Group, commended White Hat Gaming for its significant strides in the U.S. market and its established reputation globally. The Travelling Wallet feature was acknowledged as a pivotal innovation that simplifies user experience.

White Hat Gaming’s dedication to excellence was further underscored by its recognition as the White Label Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards in London.

• Date: December 16, 2021
• Event: The esteemed award ceremony, held at Battersea Evolution, brought together influential figures in the igaming industry to celebrate the achievements of top companies.
• Industry Impact: This recognition followed a series of milestones for White Hat Gaming, including two Silver medal awards for Rising Star in Sports Betting & Casino and Platform Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards North America.
• Acknowledgment: Andy Whitworth, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at White Hat Gaming, expressed gratitude for the honor. He attributed the success to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, emphasizing their commitment to developing innovative products and fostering strong partnerships on a global scale.

These accolades highlight White Hat Gaming’s position as a leader in the industry, continuously pushing boundaries and setting new standards for excellence in iGaming.

Conclusion

White Hat Gaming presents a complex picture in terms of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and sustainability efforts. While there are positive aspects such as community engagement and high employee satisfaction, there are noticeable gaps in transparency, particularly concerning detailed environmental initiatives and comprehensive ESG reporting. This review serves as a starting point, aiming to encourage further exploration through interviews and additional information gathering for a more thorough assessment in the future.

The current information available regarding White Hat Gaming’s environmental performance is limited. Publicly available data does not provide a complete understanding of their environmental impacts, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, waste management practices, carbon offsetting initiatives, or partnerships related to environmental sustainability.

Similarly, the available information on White Hat Gaming’s social initiatives and impact is partial. While employee reviews reflect a positive work environment and engagement, specific details about internal stakeholders, responsible gambling measures, community involvement, and philanthropic initiatives are not prominently featured.

Looking ahead, White Hat Gaming may need to align with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by 2025. This would necessitate more comprehensive reporting on ESG metrics, allowing for a deeper analysis and comparison of its ESG performance with other operators. As the company continues to evolve its sustainability practices, future reviews can provide a more detailed and updated assessment.

1. Transparency: White Hat Gaming demonstrates transparency through its sustainability reporting, adherence to governance norms, and disclosure of environmental initiatives. The company provides insights into its operations, financial performance, and corporate governance, although further details on waste and water management practices would enhance transparency.
2. ESG Strategy: While White Hat Gaming has a positive industry reputation that suggests a commitment to ESG values, detailed information on the company’s explicit ESG strategy and reporting framework is currently unavailable. Further details are needed to fully understand its governance practices and ESG initiatives.
3. Sanctions, Controversies, and Concerns: In 2021, White Hat Gaming faced penalties from the UK Gambling Commission, resulting in a settlement payment. The impact on the company and measures for improvement require clarification. Additionally, complaints about gambling, accounts, marketing, and advertising have been reported, with a resolution rate of 75%. Limited information is available on other controversies.
4. 3rd Party Rating: White Hat Gaming has received awards, including being named one of Sweden’s Career Companies of the Year 2022 and receiving the Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative award. These recognitions highlight positive aspects of the company’s performance in terms of employee relations and social responsibility.

Verdict & BWC Sustainability Scorecard: White Hat Gaming

Final Score: 2.8 / 5 (Acceptable – we think you deserve better)

White Hat Gaming receives a final score of approximately 2.8, rounded to 3 (Acceptable – we think you deserve better). This score reflects the company’s moderate transparency, limited information on its ESG strategy, challenges with past sanctions, and positive public reputation. Areas for improvement include enhancing transparency on waste and water management, clearer communication on ESG strategy, addressing past regulatory challenges, and further industry recognition.

White Hat Gaming presents a mixed picture in terms of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and sustainability efforts. While the company demonstrates a moderate level of transparency and has received positive industry recognition, there are notable gaps in specific ESG strategy details and concerns regarding past sanctions. Further disclosure on its ESG strategy, measures taken to address regulatory challenges, and enhanced industry recognition could contribute to a more favorable assessment in the future.