Interview with Laura Peretta – How WIG Diversity Changed my life

Hi Laura many thanks for speaking to Infinity Gaming Magazine, let us get straight to it and how long have you worked at Betsson?
It’s a pleasure to be taking part in this Q&A! I have now been working at Betsson for 4 years – a true testament to the expression “time flies”!

What is your role at the company?
I am now a Senior Supplier Relations Manager for the Betsson Group – quite a long title I know, working with the 190+ gaming suppliers we have and being the liaison between our commercial, financial, compliance and legal arms. My main focus is to support Betsson with its international expansion.
I am also responsible for the competitor analysis for gaming suppliers in all the new markets we enter and operate in, working hand-in-hand with suppliers and keeping abreast with market regulations and requirements.
A diverse role giving me the opportunity to negotiate new contracts, deal with existing ones or work on exclusive games dedicated to Betsson Group and so much more projects.

What is it like working for Betsson?
I am truly proud to be working with Betsson. It is so inspiring to grow in such a diverse company and working with great colleagues from all over the world with different stories and background. As cliché as it may sound, despite being such a big company with over 2,200 employees, you never feel like a number. I have always found support from my peers and management and it has not only given me pride in my work, but also helped me grow on a personal level. It is truly the individuals here that make the company as successful as it is.

The company shows a strong influence to supporting diversity, inclusion and fairness towards all groups including women, how is your experience as a female leader within Betsson?
iGaming is a fun and vibrant industry, full of opportunities – doesn’t matter of your background, gender or any other factors that make you who you are. If you are ambitious, willing to bring in new ideas and be part of the future of igaming, your skill set and talent should be the only requirement. This is what I see happening at Betsson Group. People are driven to achieve the best they can, regardless of who they are, where they come from, their background, their race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, etc The people who helped implement this work culture have truly ingrained it on every level – and the results are there to see.
Be the right person for our company and together we will do great things – it should be as simple as that, always.

What is it like living and working in Malta?
That’s a question I asked myself when I moved here from France over 7 years ago! This island reminds me a lot of the south of France, – obviously fantastic weather, easy to access and many restaurants with great food – guilty! The big difference in Malta is the access to a great career path. It seemed more important for me to be a great colleague, being truly motivated and passionate about what I loved rather than where I came from or which school I went to. I think this mindset is what made me stay.

Nowadays, working in Malta in iGaming is important for me as it is the main hub to build relationships and the island at the center of the industry activity – most events happen here with people flying from all over the world. Being able to work in the headquarters is also a plus, . Betsson ensures everyone is made to feel welcomed and that they belong with onboarding, training, and fantastic events to make sure no one is ever left alone. This is crucial in any industry, especially in one that that has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 15 years.

Betsson held a season of Diversity and Inclusion Conferences this year, how was your experience as an attendee?
I was truly impressed at how serious these events are taken, and at the support and backing these conferences get across the board. Betsson has taken the initiative to go beyond simple ceremonial events and managed to put together such a strong event with inspiring and knowledgeable speakers. The Conference in London this year was a true success. Several woman AND men were present from different companies andindustries. This reallyshowed and helped strengthen the importance of diversity and inclusion, recognising those who put their heart and souls into their work – whatever roles they hold. In a nutshell I must say Betsson is on a fantastic path with these events, and I hope I will be able to attend many more.
Moreover, I believe every company needs to take note of similar events and make them part of their staff’s learning and development programs. Everyone should be present and be able to share their stories and learn why diversity and inclusion are fundamental for every company’s success. I take this opportunity to invite other companies to take note of the Diversity and Inclusion events that Betsson organizes and encourage them to send some of their staff to these and similar events.

The company also nominates and attends the Women in Gaming Diversity & Inclusion Awards for many years now, have you been to these in previous years?
I have heard of the Women in Gaming Diversity & Inclusion Awards for many years in the past but only attended recently the 2021 and 2022 ones… I must admit, 2021 was my personal favourite!

Indeed we know of course that last year (2021) you won Young Leader of the Year at the WIG Diversity Awards, did you expect to win?
Not at all. Being nominated was already such a great honour and filled me with such pride, and to be honest that feeling was already quite overwhelming. Being recognised in the industry was already a huge win to me. Actually winning the award was something truly special and a moment I will never forget.

When you were sitting there listening to all the finalist names and of course yours, can you remember what you were thinking?
I must confess, hearing the resumes and achievements of my colleagues and fellow nominees made me think “there’s no way I can compete”. I could see and got the chance to meet amazing and dynamic women who were so deserving to this award. This just goes to show that your work, drive and commitment is truly recognised, even when perhaps you are not even sure yourself how much this goes noticed – both in the company and the industry as a whole.
Moreover, taking the award on behalf of Betsson was a brilliant experience. I personally feel that this award is as much theirs as it is mine. Teamwork always makes the dream work as they say!

When your name was announced as the winner, were you nervous going on stage and making your acceptance speech?
I was – figuratively and literally – speechless. Not for a moment had I pre-planned any words to say should the impossible become possible – and it probably showed for a minute there for whoever was present that night, a few tears I must admit. But seeing so many women supporting me gave me the strength to deliver one of my first speeches on stage ever. I learned my lesson, always be prepared. I guess you can never know what can happen.

One of the great things about the WIG Diversity Awards is the amazing support each winner receives from not just colleagues but other companies cheering, what you think of this Laura?
The feeling you get once you receive your first award is unmatched. I have received support and encouragement from so many people since then, that it seems like my win and celebration was theirs too. From my side, the celebration was one for my entire team, not for any one individual. At the end of the day, it is all about celebrating hard work and changes within our industry.
But no time to rest on my laurels, we went back to work more driven than ever. Women working in gaming show a more united front and express genuine solidarity with each other because remember, in such a young and new industry, it is no easy feat to move forward and succeed if not with the support and dedication of every member in the team. Having said that, the support I experience at Betsson and iGaming comes from everyone, men and women.

Has anything changed for you since winning the award?
Moments like these invigorate you to work harder and aim even higher. It is truly rewarding for anyone to see concrete results of their work, and winning this award was a realchance. Becoming Young Leader of the Year has not only given me more opportunities to meet talented people but has also given me more responsibilities with more challenges –I was first nominated as a promotions manager and then went on as a Supplier Relations Manager – a real progress and growth within Betsson.
But this award has not only affected my role and work in a positive way but also affected me personally as I have gained so much more confidence. It helped me go through this “imposter syndrome” which is so much more common than we think – and to show I have been very thankful to win another award a couple of months later. We just all need to start somewhere!

Before we let you go Laura, how important do you feel the WIG Diversity Awards in recognizing women and diversity within the industry and do you think more companies should be involved?
They are Crucial. Acknowledgment and appreciation for delivering results is a big incentive in everything we do – be it in our professional lives or our personal endeavors. I have been genuinely touched by how important these diversity initiatives have been embraced by everyone, and I am thankful to having contributed a small part to this end. It is a no brainer for more companies to be involved and for more women to look onwards and upwards.

I am sure that WiG Diversity Awards has, and will continue changing more lives in the upcoming years.