IWD: The next steps for women in gaming
In celebration of International Women's Day, Casumo chief compliance officer Kerry Swainson explores how women and underrepresented groups can progress in the sector
The gaming industry has long been a male-dominated space, particularly in areas like compliance, regulation and leadership. For women in these fields, making an impact isn’t always straightforward – but it is necessary.
As the industry evolves, so too must our approach to inclusion, leadership and representation at every level.
Breaking barriers and owning the room
The path to leadership as a woman in compliance and gaming comes with unique challenges. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table, it’s about ensuring our voices are heard, respected and valued. Too often, female leaders face bias that can hinder their progression.
The expectation to be assertive yet likable, decisive yet accommodating can create additional pressure that male counterparts rarely experience.
This is exactly why resilience is key. Women in leadership should never shy away from being heard, from pushing back or from breaking through industry barriers. Strength, confidence and strategic thinking are not just assets – they’re essentials for navigating and reshaping this space.
Inclusion: A collective responsibility
Diversity and inclusion in gaming should not be a women-led initiative alone. It requires an industry-wide effort to attract, develop and retain diverse talent, therefore ensuring that leadership pipelines don’t just include women and underrepresented groups but actively support and champion them.
This means:
- Creating allies within the industry who actively uplift and empower diverse talent.
- Building strong networks where knowledge, mentorship and support are shared freely.
- Establishing clear career pathways that remove barriers to advancement for all.
Why representation at the top matters
A diverse leadership team isn’t just about fairness, it’s about business success. When compliance teams include a range of perspectives, they:
- Make stronger, more informed decisions.
- Develop solutions that resonate with wider audiences.
- Improve adaptability in a constantly evolving industry.
We need decision-making tables that reflect the diverse communities we serve. This is why mentorship and advocacy are so important; not just in bringing women into the industry, but in ensuring they stay, thrive and lead.
From participation to leadership
We should be striving for a gaming industry where women and underrepresented groups don’t just participate, but lead. Where they are not just included, but actively shape the future of compliance and regulation.
This isn’t just about individual careers, it’s about transforming an entire industry for the better. By championing structural change, inclusivity policies and fair representation, we strengthen the gaming sector as a whole.
Change is happening, but it’s up to all of us to accelerate it.
Kerry Swainson is currently the chief compliance officer at Casumo, with over 17 years of experience in the gaming industry.
She started her career in customer service, gaining both retail and online experience, and worked her way up, acquiring hands-on knowledge in operations and compliance.
Over the years, she has had the opportunity to work with leading companies like William Hill, Entain and Lottoland. Swainson also holds a diploma in anti-money laundering (AML).