When we think about gambling, we usually see it as a vice that should be controlled by all means possible. The reason for this is that many people are not familiar with modern gambling companies, which have nothing in common with shady dents and illegal gambling joints from the 1920s. Nowadays, gambling establishments stand side by side with fintech companies, financial firms, and online startups. More regulated than ever, they are also implementing socially responsible practices with which they give back to the community.
“A colleague of mine who is working as a lawyer in a gaming company always says the casino industry is easy to hate”, says Anna Rosak. Anna is no stranger to casinos either. As editor of one of the most popular casino review sites in Poland, she knows all the trends on the market.
“All aspects of the gaming industry are becoming more and more regulated. In the past, I could have just published an article on iLucki casino, or a review of any other casino and called it a day. Now, I have to follow detailed guidelines, and implement warnings on the website”, says Rosak. But are warnings and more unbiased content the only socially responsible thing the industry does?
Lotteries Help Community Projects in the UK
One of the best examples of social responsibility are projects supported by the UK National Lottery. The funds provided by this company were essential for more than 630,000 projects throughout the UK. In fact, the Lottery helped small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as multiple lockdowns that knocked them to the ground.
“From March 2020 to March 2021, UK Lottery made £8,373.9 million in ticket sales. Impressed? What is even more impressive is that 95% of all the funds went back to the community”, reveals our expert. The British Lottery made sure everyone gets a decent share of this delicious financial cookie. 40% of the funds went to health, education, environment, and charitable causes, and sports, arts, and heritage projects were each funded with 20% of the budget. Anna Rosak says supported causes include everything, from new basketball courts to special institutions designed to be friendly towards elderlies suffering from dementia.
“If you ever tried to communicate with your local public representative, you know how difficult it can be to get the bench in front of your apartment fixed or to get some space where teens can hang out. UK Lottery does more for small communities than many public officials. It is a shame, but only for politicians, and not for the gaming industry”, Anna is honest.
Tribe Casinos Deliver New Opportunities
Another example of social responsibility are tribal casinos across the US. Since 1988, native tribes across the US were allowed to offer gambling services. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act has a tremendous effect on small towns, where people were more underprivileged than average.
“USA hasn’t been exactly the land of dreams for most Native Americans. Oppressed and discriminated against, they were forced to live in communities with subpar schools and medical care, little to no employment opportunities, and harsh living conditions. Tribal casinos helped them prosper”, explains Anna and adds, how the term “prosper” should be taken cautiously, “They aren’t millionaires, but they are better off than they used to be.”
A study conducted by The American National Bureau of Economic Research in 2003, mentions the employment rate rose by 23% after the Act was introduced. The mortality rate was 11% lower, and young people were not only keen to stay but also returned as they discovered new job opportunities. On top of it, the entire revenue is distributed among locals, so everyone got a chance to reap the benefits of the controversial law.
Social Responsibility is More Important Than Ever
What many of us wonder is whether this is just a fad or a practice that will remain. Anna believes there is no reason for doubt: “There will always be companies who will use it just for PR. As long as they help at least one person, I think we should tolerate it. Also, authorities are becoming more and more diligent in encouraging, and even imposing, social responsibility upon gambling companies.” By that, our expert doesn’t think only of funding, but also warnings and tools which keep gaming at reasonable levels.
She also thinks there is a new generation of gamers coming into the spotlight, the one that doesn’t look just for fun but also wants to know they are doing business with an ethical company. This also concerns the casino industry, where for many players the ethical aspect is just as important as factors like bonuses or best deposit rates. “Equal wagers, paid maternity and fraternity leaves for employees, green approach towards technology, solar panels on office buildings – that, and a lot more is what modern customers want from their companies. Social responsibility has become an obligatory feature”, concludes the insider.