With the increasing popularity of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the gaming industry, it is evident that companies are actively working towards creating a more balanced workplace environment. This is particularly crucial at a time when the All-Index report by the All-In Diversity Project revealed that fewer women are entering the industry than ever before. To address this issue, Hilary Stewart-Jones, CEO of Skywind, emphasizes the importance of having visible women advocates and spokespersons in senior positions, implementing sensible maternity policies that discourage premature returns to work, and addressing unconscious bias against performance upon return. Additionally, she highlights the need for the gambling industry to eradicate the perception that women are solely there for product promotion or entertainment.
Lucy Owen also stresses the significance of diversity and inclusion efforts in encouraging women to join the gaming industry. She recommends making diversity and inclusion core strategic values and improving the representation of diverse, relatable, and approachable individuals in board and senior management roles. Owen also emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities, mentoring, training, and development for the future generation of talent in gaming while actively engaging with women considering a career in the industry to understand their needs and desires.
Tatyana Kaminskaya, head of game aggregator at Softswiss, acknowledges the value of initiatives like Most Influential Women in addressing gender imbalance. However, she believes that employers should also demonstrate how women thrive and contribute in their workplaces when recruiting new talent. Kaminskaya suggests showcasing successful cases of women working in the business to attract strong potential candidates and assure them that it is a professional and understanding workplace where they can excel.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, chair of French regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), prioritizes maintaining gender parity in the ANJ’s workplace, which currently consists of 47% women. She underscores the importance of creating an inclusive industry by fostering a positive and adaptable environment, especially among senior positions.
Ciara Nic Liam, gaming product director at Entain, emphasizes the significance of mentorship in inspiring women to succeed in the gaming industry. Liam focuses on understanding the motivations of her mentees, offering manageable projects, providing regular check-ins to prevent them from struggling alone, and acknowledging their achievements. Olabimpe Akingba, executive secretary at the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, believes that companies should develop policies that genuinely support women and enable their growth within the industry. Akingba emphasizes the need to bring women into management roles and highlights the strength and growth potential that comes with diversity.
While it is crucial to create an accessible environment for those entering the gaming industry, Kim Barker Lee, chief legal officer at Bally’s, emphasizes the importance of addressing existing barriers faced by women and underrepresented groups within the sector. Lee states that increased representation requires a cultural shift, providing opportunities for those already in the industry, and dismantling leadership mindsets and systems that hinder equity. Luisa Woods, vice-president of marketing, gaming, and entertainment at Delaware North, emphasizes the need for proactive measures in DEI initiatives. She shares her personal experience of feeling isolated as the only woman in the room and highlights the progress and value that diversification in leadership brings to the gambling industry.
