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GAMBLING AND CHARITY: WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

By Kendall Jenkins on 2022-01-22 08:41:00

For many centuries people have been engaged in gambling. In the public perception of gambling nowadays, the casino is associated with sacrilege and even fraud, although in the past gambling was considered a status symbol for nobles and rich people, just like hunting, theater, and horse riding. 

However, we must admit that the widespread prejudice that all games of chance are harmful and fraudulent is false. Every day the mass media highlights the negative impact of the gambling industry on people's mental health; that's why the vast majority of citizens show a negative inclination towards this industry. They forget about the advantages that the gambling industry has. Whether you are playing in a Las Vegas land-based casino or gamble online at the eye of horus, it might be interesting for you to know how casinos contribute to society and make the world a better place. Sounds strange, right? You are not likely to hear something like that on TV. Keep reading, and you'll understand what we are talking about. 

Most people are used to the fact that casinos and charity have nothing in common at all. But quite a lot of important eco-projects are made possible by the monetary donations, and to participate in that kind of charity, in the century of the Internet, you don't need to leave the house and make a money transfer, just enjoy the game in an online casino. Hardly anyone knows what and how much the owners of casinos do for our world and what events they organize to protect the environment.

The ordinary entertainment of gamblers can not only be fun for the players but also save our planet. For instance, the dividends from solid poker championships go to the environment protection organizations such as WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature) and various foundations to fight cancer and HIV. Some casinos also provide assistance to victims of natural disasters, support charitable projects that serve social, environmental, and charitable purposes. Lottery companies are particularly involved, as the winnings are taxed: A portion of the winnings goes to the state and thus benefits the common good.

Donations From Gamblers

As for personalities, there are many famous people who have gambling interests and make notable donations:

  • Alan Woods: blackjack and horse racing. Funded mental health research and donated to various Filipino associations such as schools and orphanages.

  • Bill Benter: horse racing. Donated through the Benter Foundation to organizations concerned with education, global citizenship, and humanitarian services.

  • Edward O. Thorp: blackjack. Donated $1 million to the University of Carolina.

  • Chris Moneymaker: poker. Contributes to Humane Society and Autism Speaks but prefers to keep donation amounts secret.

  • Phil Hellmuth: poker. Donates to dozens of organizations and foundations and runs various charity poker tournaments.

  • Daniel Negreanu: poker. Hosts an annual charity golf tournament in which participants donate the money they win to charitable organizations in support of the Lili Claire Foundation, which helps children with special needs.

DiCaprio and Casino Charity

Environmental protection is also close to the heart of Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio. Time and again, he supports numerous projects to save the environment and points out problems such as global warming, wilderness, and ocean protection in his posts on social networks. In 1998, he founded the "Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation." The goal of this organization is to restore the balance of threatened ecosystems. The foundation also organizes auctions, and between the lots, you can participate in a poker tournament. Thus, players can buy a seat at the poker table, play poker against Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, John Hill, or Ben Affleck and also donate money for environmental protection.

The good thing about this type of charity is that it is the perfect way for non-profit organizations to reach new target groups and gain supporters. It is also an opportunity for them to present their work and/or their successes to a new, potentially interested audience. This can create new awareness in society and, of course, generate financial resources with which this work can continue to be implemented.

Worldwide Support From the Biggest Casino Brands

There are a huge number of casinos that do charity, but William Hill is one of the leading casino brands in the world. Their offices are located in countless countries all over the globe, and the company is known for fulfilling its social obligations; they do not neglect a higher duty to society.

The brand supports the Responsible Gambling Trust (RTG), which is one of the online casino industry's top charities. William Hill has also donated more than £40,000 to numerous charities, including sending its employees to hard-to-reach parts of the continent to help local people.  

In particular, the tragedy that occurred in Sierra Leone and Liberia and the deadly Ebola virus, which claimed millions of lives, prompted 888 Casino to contribute. 888 Casino VIP members raised over $25,000 in a few weeks to help the cause. In addition, 888 Casino regularly donates money to areas affected by natural disasters, supporting their recovery.  

Charity for Gambling Addicted

Donating to organizations that are fighting global warming and other ecological problems is great. But casinos also have to take care of those who are addicted to gambling. As long as gamblers are able to gamble, there will always be those who get attracted by this activity too much. Most gambling companies are trying to fight against this problem. For example, virtually every casino provides a responsible gambling page on their website. This contains tips and tricks for responsible gambling, as well as information on where gambling addicts can find help. In addition, players have the option to be excluded from gambling.

A lot of well-known gambling companies donate funds to charitable or non-profit causes every year. These operators include, for example, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Betfair, Skybet, and Bet365. The listed companies mainly donate to people in the UK suffering from gambling addiction.

 

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