An ESG assessment in iGaming would have been at best a side chatter a couple of years ago. Fast-forward to 2025 and it now has moved to a board topic. Regulators are tightening disclosure rules, investors want proof of maturity, and operators face a blunt question: how credible are your sustainability claims? Without evidence, even good initiatives can be written off as greenwashing … not that type of PR anyone wants.
That is why we built the iESG Assessment Centre. It measures performance, benchmarks progress, and helps teams turn findings into action. The model was designed for the realities of the iGaming ecosystem, not a generic corporate template. It turns ESG into clear business value that people can see: lower energy costs, fewer compliance risks, stronger trust with players and investors.
We explain what an ESG assessment in iGaming covers, how the iESG model works, and why early movers will set the pace as scrutiny grows.
What an ESG Assessment Means for iGaming
An ESG assessment in iGaming encompasses three areas: environment, social, and governance. Each matters in a different way.
On the environmental side, data centres and payments consume real power. The International Energy Agency estimates that data centres account for about 1.3% of global electricity use¹. The EU’s CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) is expanding and with that, the disclosure obligations². Operators that report poorly not only risk falling behind stern competition but also facing penalties.
The social lens goes beyond a bare minimum of responsible gambling. We track how brands speak to players, how they market, and how they show up for their communities. Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that only 6% of Gen Z put senior leadership as a primary goal, while most weigh purpose, growth, and well-being when choosing their work place or their preferred brands³. Ignoring those priorities and … loyalty slips. Especially among the very audience shaping gaming’s future.
For governance, investors react quickly when oversight is weak or reporting poor. Missed controls or fuzzy disclosures damage credibility in the capital markets⁴.
In short, an ESG assessment is more than a score. It is a base for credibility and long-term resilience.
Inside our iESG Assessment Centre Framework
An ESG assessment in iGaming is not a box-ticking exercise. Our iESG model comes from more than 25 years in iGaming and draws on global standards without losing sight of day-to-day operations. We reference the B Corp approach to stakeholder value and accountability, and we align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals where it makes sense for gaming. We review three interconnected pillars in plain terms.
Environmental
We look at hosting choices, renewable energy use, emissions tracking, and offset strategies. We benchmark against ISO 14001 and align with SDG goals on climate action and sustainable consumption.
Social
We assess besides responsible gambling standards also how clearly you communicate with players. Reflecting B Corp’s focus on stakeholders and SDG priorities on health, equality, and decent work, we evaluate how inclusive your workplace is, and how you engage locally.
Governance
We measure data integrity, transparency, compliance maturity, and board oversight that comes along. Investors increasingly expect strong institutions in the form of hard evidence of governance strength, consistent with B Corp accountability and SDG principles.
Blending these standards with gaming-specific benchmarks gives operators a maturity profile they can work with. It is practical, not theoretical and highlights weak areas that can affect the business negatively.
ESG Assessment in iGaming: From Data to Decisions
Numbers only help if they change decisions. That is why our output is built to be used.
We map findings against the rules that apply to you. Gaps show up early, not after a notice lands. We also highlight efficiency plays that matter in operations. Hosting, cooling, and payment infrastructure can often be tuned for meaningful savings, with potential energy reductions of up to 30% in some environments⁵. Clear reporting then closes the loop. Players now expect sustainability as a baseline, not a bonus. PwC’s Voice of the Consumer 2025 shows consumers holding brands to account on environmental and social performance⁶. Finally, a strong ESG profile signals resilience and sound management, the two traits investors look for when committing long-term capital.
Handled properly, ESG shifts from a cost of doing business to a source of performance and differentiation.
💡Want to know where your operation really stands? The iESG Assessment benchmarks your ESG performance: from eco-efficiency to player protection, and gives you a clear score. It’s not just about compliance; it’s a way to attract value-driven players who actively choose platforms that show measurable responsibility.
Beyond Compliance
Compliance is the floor. The opportunity is to use ESG to sharpen your edge in a crowded market.
The iESG Assessment Centre helps teams do four things well. First, differentiate with real proof of action … not mere slogans. By doing so the brand gains authenticity and stands out for real responsible gaming. Second, stay ahead of regulation … prepare for new requirements before they land.This saves not only nerves but money too while avoiding backlash for potential missteps. Third, strengthen brand value by earning loyalty from players and investors who want credible practices. Fourth, report with authority using data that ties to recognised standards.
Conclusion: ESG Assessment in iGaming
ESG assessment in iGaming is now a marker of credibility and trust. Our iESG Assessment Centre gives operators a clear view of where they stand, a fair benchmark, and a route to action. In a sector where scrutiny grows each year, the operators that treat ESG as a business strategy, not a box to tick, will lead.
Ready to benchmark your ESG maturity? Contact us to learn more about the iESG Assessment Centre.
FAQ – ESG Assessment in iGaming
What is an ESG assessment in iGaming?
An ESG assessment in iGaming measures performance across environmental, social, and governance benchmarks.
Why prioritise ESG now?
Rules are tightening and investors want transparency. Early action builds resilience and trust and an ESG assessment in iGaming can highlight gaps and consequently improve on it.
Does ESG affect profitability?
Strong practices cut costs, attract eco-conscious players, and open doors to capital.
What frameworks does the ESG Assessment Centre in iGaming use?
Our iESG assessment draws on ISO 14001, the B Corp model, and the UN SDGs, adapted to iGaming.
Sources:
- International Energy Agency: “Data Centres and Transmission Networks”
https://www.iea.org/energy-system/buildings/data-centres-and-data-transmission-networks - European Commission: “Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive”
https://finance.ec.europa.eu/regulation-and-supervision/financial-services-legislation/implementing-and-delegated-acts/corporate-sustainability-reporting-directive_en - Deloitte: “2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey“
https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html - BDO: “Gaming Companies: “Unlock the Power of ESG Strategy and Investment“
https://www.bdo.com/insights/industries/gaming-leisure/gaming-companies-unlock-the-power-of-esg-strategy-and-investment - TR News: “Structure Research Releases 2025 ESG Report, Examining Environmental Impact of the Global Data Centre Market“
https://telecomreseller.com/2025/04/11/structure-research-releases-2025-esg-report-examining-environmental-impact-of-the-global-data-centre-market/ - Ernest & Young: “Voice of the Consumer 2025“
https://www.ey.com/en_gl/future-consumer-index?
