LeoVegas to tackle industry inequality with ‘LeoRegulus’

LeoVegas has launched a new initiative with the aim of fixing the “imbalance” of gender representation in the technology sector and inspiring more women to pursue a career in the market.

‘LeoRegulus’ comprises a dedicated traineeship programme and award scheme, both designed to offer opportunities to women and organisations in technology.

The LeoRegulus Global Traineeship Programme is a 12-month project that places the individual in the company’s ‘Libero’ team, where they will work across all of its product teams.

Trainees will be based at the LeoVegas site in Stockholm, Sweden, but will have the opportunity to travel to its other offices around Europe.

LeoVegas said at the end of the 12 months, it is “likely” the trainee will be offered full-time employment on a product team of their choice.

The LeoRegulus Tech Award will build on this by pledging to grant SEK100,000 (£8,600/€9,700/$11,200) to “an initiative, organisation, or person promoting an increased interest in and awareness of tech/AI among women”.

Speaking to iGamingBusiness.com about the project, Gustaf Hagman (pictured), group chief executive of LeoVegas, said that the industry is “missing out on a lot of potential, crucial perspectives and talent” and called for change.

“It is something that needs a change when the technology sector in Sweden is booming at the same time as the workforce only consist of 25% women,” he said.

“The main goal is of course to inspire more women to pursue a career in tech, both through the difference the Tech Award can make and the career possibilities that the Traineeship Program offers.

“At the same time we’re aware that this is only one initiative and many more are needed to make a real difference, therefore we hope that this initiative will motivate more actors in the industry to contribute and do more.”

Hagman also urged other companies to take action over the current situation and do more to attract women to technology roles.

He said: “Just like any other business in the technology sector we value competence over all other factors, therefore, the imbalance between men and women in the sector is so problematic.

“When 50% of the population consists of women but only a fraction is considering the tech industry as a future workplace, we lose a lot of skills and important perspectives that are crucial for the construction of future technology.

“Therefore more actors need to acknowledge the problem and do more to help fix this imbalance.”