With the advent of the internet we’ve seen many changes to the world of gambling over the last several years. It feels like a lot of the changes of late have been with regards to online gambling legislation in various countries around the globe, but changes of a different kind are also taking place within the establishments that protect the interests of would-be gamblers off the internet. The World Lottery Association announced recently that Risto Nieminen has been elected as its new president.

The World Lottery Association is, in its own words, “a member-based organization to advance the interests of State-authorized lotteries.” In this context state refers to not solely to the United States, but to entire countries, as over 90 countries throughout 5 continents are represented in the association. Their purpose is to uphold ethical standards in an industry that many consider to be unethical, and all members adhere to a strict set of standards, including contributing, according to the WLA website, the majority of their revenue to good causes.

The Association looks set to be passed into more than capable hands, as Risto Nieminen has a lot of experience in the industry. Currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer for Veikkaus Oy, the Finnish national lottery provider and operator, Nieminen brings a very hands-on set of experiences to the post. Nieminen is also not new to the World Lottery Association itself by any stretch of the imagination, having served since 2004 on the Executive Committee and was elected as the Senior Vice-President in 2008, which will no doubt serve as very adequate training for the position of President.

The announcement that Nieminen was elected and would be taking over the role of president came during the World Lottery Association’s 2010 Convention and Trade Show, which was held this year in Brisbane. He’ll be replacing Arthur “Arch” Gleason in the post, who was first president of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation back in 1993 and has since put in many years of service at similar and higher levels, culminating in his recent term as WLA President.

It’s unlikely that we’ll see any drastic changes over the coming years as a result of the election of Nieminen, but time will tell what effects his presidency will have on the Association and beyond. It is excellent to see such an organization championing the idea that gambling can be offered in a safe and secure way with emphasis on risk management and the proceeds being used for good causes. No doubt we will continue to see more examples of good work being done by the Association under Nieminen’s lead.