Charitable Causes supported by Online Gambling Websites
The online gambling industry has grown into the billions in terms of yearly revenue. When considering the number of gambling sites offering various betting services, many are left wondering the social impacts and whether those within the industry appropriate portions of profits towards charitable causes.
The act of charitable gambling is defined as an incentivized form of giving”. It is one where a portion of the proceeds are directed to organizations that carry out charitable work within individual communities or on a global scale. An example of this is GVC Holdings PLC, a company who owns bwin, Ladbrokes and Sportingbet, all brands promoted by Betenemy, a leading website that offers insight into various sportsbook promotions, betting tips and useful strategy information. To help in efforts to give back to the communities, they allow employees two paid days a year to volunteer with organizations such as homeless shelters or global warming initiatives.
One of the advantages that online casino and sportsbooks have is they operate without interference from governmental bodies or suffer interference from political parties. The goal is to support the charitable work carried out by organizations they support versus specific areas of interest, and in many ways that in itself is more valuable and effective.
Maintaining the importance of being responsible corporate partners
Few would argue that the casino industry, irrespective of whether online or not, has a reputation that is less favourable than some industries. Many see it as one built on greed and taking advantage of those who are at risk.
While in some respects, there is truth to that, many casinos and sportsbooks operating online are owned by large corporations and as such, understand that importance of being responsible corporate partners. Not many of you know that the UKGC requires the betting companies to develop sustainable social responsibility programs. These may include helping people overcoming their financial problems caused by gambling addiction.
The number of corporations acting towards the good of humanity number into the hundreds, one of which is LeoVegas, who as a company have donated substantially to organizations who carry out philanthropic good deeds. While smaller brands are known for their charitable donations and efforts, many of the industry’s largest sportsbook and casino brands are equally as giving.
William Hill, a sports betting and casino company with betting shops located throughout the U.K, and online operations that caters to a global audience, has offices worldwide. As part of their initiative towards responsible corporate behaviour, carry out extensive obligations to being socially caring.
As BBC reported, in 2018 the company faced a fine of fine £6.2m due to not covering its responsibility duties. It seems that the bookie has learned its lessons, because nowadays
They are reported to support the Responsible Gambling Trust, a trust that works with the online gambling industry to minimize the impact that problem gambling has by donating no less than £5 million yearly towards various education programs and treatment services. This is further strengthened by the company donating its employee’s time to assist local communities worldwide in need to help for a variety of issues.
One such example of another gambling company having a positive impact is 888 Holdings, who when witnessing the effect the Ebola virus was having on the lives of those in Liberia and Sierra Leone donated funds to the cause. They further sought assistance from members of their gambling properties, who together donated in excess of $25.000 to help those impacted by the virus.
Ultimately, while online gambling companies do operate businesses that some see negatively, the thousands of donated hours and money from those within the industry is substantial and the loss of which would be felt by many who benefit from their generosity.
