The commercial gaming industry undeniably contributes to economic growth at local, national, and global scales, from creating jobs to boosting annual tax revenues. However, traditional gaming venues like land-based casinos can otherwise affect the environment through their high carbon footprint.
Research by Casinomeister reveals that on average, casinos use 15,070 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day to power their lights, heating and ventilation, gaming equipment, and other systems crucial to their operations. This amount of energy consumption, which can power a home for nearly two months, can significantly impact the environment due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Although casinos like MGM have started investing in eco-conscious solutions like solar panel installations, the rise of internet gaming (iGaming) presents another opportunity for the commercial gaming sector to go green and contribute to sustainability. Specifically, online poker—as one of the most popular games on iGaming platforms—can go beyond energy efficiency and create a positive impact socially and ethically. Continue reading to learn more about how the online poker segment can promote sustainable gaming practices.
Reducing carbon footprint
As previously mentioned, iGaming enables casinos to reduce their energy consumption in land-based operations while still catering to their player base through virtual casino games, including poker. This aligns with one of the strategies mentioned in a previous post entitled ‘11 Ways To Be More Green With Your Online Business’ since shifting to online operations can significantly save energy.
Additionally, live poker tours, such as the World Poker Tour and European Poker Tour, can impact the environment through commercial air travel, which accounts for an estimated 2.4% of total annual CO2 emissions worldwide.
By shifting to online poker, poker operators and players alike can lessen their carbon footprint while also saving money, energy, and other resources needed for long-haul flights. Choosing the top app for cash-winning games further promotes eco-friendly gaming by reducing the need for physical venues and travel.
Promoting responsible gaming
Sustainable gaming involves not only energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction but also a focus on social and ethical responsibility. In this case, online poker platform ACR Poker demonstrates its commitment to preventing problem gambling and predatory practices through sophisticated software features. In addition to implementing tools like the ACR Reshuffle anti-collusion technology to maintain game security, its software incorporates Responsible Gaming settings, such as putting caps on tournament buy-ins and temporarily or permanently disabling a user account.
Notably, responsible gaming is becoming a priority for the broader gaming industry, with land-based casinos like MGM Resorts introducing the GameSense program in 2017. GameSense focuses on educating employees about the signs of problem gambling and the healthy ways to inform and approach guests about this sensitive topic.
Giving back to communities
Lastly, key players in the online poker industry can partner with non-profit organizations to support and advocate for their ongoing sustainability efforts. For example, PokerStars’ corporate social responsibility efforts include raising money for PRETOMA, a grassroots organization concerned with ending shark finning and protecting ocean resources in Costa Rica. Together with Humberto Brenes, a member of its official team of poker pros, PokerStars donated money to the cause to help fund its various research and lobbying projects.
Once again, such efforts align with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices observed in the overall commercial gaming sector. As one of the top gaming venues in Las Vegas, Wynn Resorts supported the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts through a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation.
In summary, online poker can promote sustainable gaming by reducing the carbon emissions associated with land-based operations, as well as amplifying ongoing efforts to improve social and environmental responsibility in the wider gaming industry. Continue reading the Moss and Fog website for more articles on sustainability, nature, and more.
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