Allwyn launches Player Protection Lab to fund new player safety research

• Allwyn opens applications for a new Player Protection Lab to back research into player safety
• Grants of up to €100,000 available for projects on digital innovation, positive play messaging, and safety tools
• Application window runs until 14 November, with evaluation led by Allwyn’s responsible gaming team

Allwyn has launched on 9 September the Player Protection Lab to accelerate research and innovation in responsible gaming, inviting proposals from academics and experts worldwide to advance safer play across its markets.

The programme targets three focus areas—digital innovation, messaging to drive positive play, and effective safety tools—with a funding ceiling of €100,000 per project, depending on scope. The initiative is part of the company’s wider effort to establish global leading practice in player protection and broaden the pipeline of evidence-led approaches.

Applications are open immediately, with the call running until 14 November, and further details on eligibility and evaluation provided on Allwyn’s website, according to the company announcement.

The scheme seeks original proposals that close identified knowledge gaps and provide tangible, real-world benefits to player safety within the products and markets where Allwyn operates. Awards will be made at the discretion of Allwyn’s responsible gaming team and are subject to contractual requirements.

The company has framed the Lab as a collaboration engine that complements its recent group-level campaign, Play the Right Way, which draws lessons from high-pressure environments such as Formula 1 to encourage responsible behaviours like setting limits and staying calm.

This push to share best practice across its ecosystem reflects Allwyn’s broader commitment to innovation, technology and player safety as pillars of its lottery-led gaming portfolio across Europe and North America. By casting a wide net through an open call, Allwyn aims to uncover fresh perspectives and solutions that can be applied at scale.

Applicants may choose between two budget bands: up to €50,000 for small-scale projects or €51,000–€100,000 for medium-scale projects, with budgets required to be realistic, justified, and tied to milestones and deliverables, the company stated.

“The Player Protection Lab is an exciting new avenue for Allwyn. Our responsible gaming team is seeking proposals that will encourage progress in player safety and break new ground in our industry. We hope that by opening the application process, we will have the opportunity to explore genuinely new ideas and draw lessons from other sectors.” said Nicole Garrett, Head of Responsible Gaming at Allwyn.

Methodological robustness is a core selection criterion, with Allwyn open to diverse approaches, including proofs of concept, provided outcomes are evidence-led and actionable. The firm underlined that proposals must align with its responsible gaming priorities and highlight measurable impact on safer play.

Allwyn noted that successful projects will be selected following evaluation against published criteria, with the goal of advancing evidence-based interventions and tools across its operations.

The company positioned the Lab as both a funding mechanism and a platform for cross-sector learning to strengthen standards and outcomes in player protection. In doing so, Allwyn aims to drive consistency and innovation in safeguarding players, while scaling approaches that demonstrate clear, measurable benefits.