IGSA Slashes Membership Fees Up to 55%: A Fresh Start for the Gaming Industry
December 12, 2024 – The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has announced significant changes to its membership model, including a substantial reduction in membership fees and a complete overhaul of its membership structure. These adjustments aim to enhance accessibility and inclusivity across the gaming industry.
Fee Reductions
In a press release issued on Wednesday, IGSA revealed that membership fees have been cut by as much as 55 percent at the base level and by up to 44 percent at the highest tier. The new annual dues will range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the type of membership. This is a considerable decrease from the previous fee structure, which saw annual dues between $11,200 and $89,500.
Changes to Membership Structure
In addition to the fee reductions, IGSA has dismantled its long-standing ‘precious metals’ membership structure, which categorized members into platinum, gold, silver, and bronze tiers. Instead, the organization has reorganized the membership framework to better reflect the diverse segments of the gaming industry.
Nimish Purohit, chairman of IGSA, noted that while membership levels have remained stable, the gaming landscape has evolved significantly over time. ‘The board of directors wants to expand IGSA and increase inclusivity by making membership affordable to companies from every facet of the industry, including large and small suppliers, content providers, tech-sector companies, and operators,’ Purohit stated.
New Membership Levels
The revised membership structure now includes several new categories designed to cater to varying needs within the industry:
- Director Level: For companies aiming to influence the overall strategic direction of IGSA.
- Industry Level: For firms operating in both land-based and online sectors.
- Vertical Level: For companies solely involved in either land-based or online operations.
- Operator Level: Tailored for land-based or online casino and sports betting operators.
- Committee Level: For organizations wishing to engage in only one or two specific committees within the association.
This new arrangement offers increased opportunities for individuals from most membership levels to participate actively in IGSA’s governance, particularly in elections for the board of directors. Moreover, in-committee voting on IGSA’s initiatives will now be accessible to all committee members.
Commitment to Standardization
IGSA emphasizes its mission to create and develop essential technology standards and protocols aimed at enhancing the global gaming industry’s functionality and integrity. The association expresses pride in its diverse membership, which includes representatives from 20 countries and input from regulators, operators, and suppliers across more than 30 nations.
Mark Pace, president of IGSA, added that the restructuring and fee adjustments result from extensive feedback collected through interviews with current, former, and prospective members. ‘Having the ability to impact in-committee actions across membership levels and making membership more attainable were key messages received,’ he highlighted.
Conclusion
As the gaming industry continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, IGSA’s revamped membership structure and reduced fees aim to foster a more inclusive environment that encourages engagement from all corners of the sector. The changes underscore the association’s commitment to supporting the industry’s growth and innovation.
For further details on membership and the ongoing initiatives of IGSA, interested parties can visit the organization’s official website.