The Much Needed Greenification of Casinos

Thankfully, in 2024, the world has begun a much-needed awakening regarding our impact on the planet we all share. Whether it’s carrying reusable shopping bags and metal straws, going plastic-free when you purchase toiletries, or supporting local, ecologically safe companies as much as you can, the average person has begun to take an interest in going green.

Unfortunately for the planet, many large businesses and corporations aren’t on that page yet. Praising and showcasing industries and businesses that take their ecological responsibility seriously is one of the most important things that we, as a green society, can do now, and the reason is twofold.

First, the approval of the public shows the company’s competitors that it is possible to go green and still make money. Second, it proves to the public that their voices matter when getting their favorite business to do the right thing.

Here, we’re going to examine all the ways that an industry beloved by many, the gambling industry, is taking steps to ease its environmental impact and improve the state of our planet. Let’s take a look at how casinos are going green.

As you can imagine, casinos require an enormous amount of energy to run. Brick-and-mortar casinos require lights, electricity to run all of their slot and video machines, stoves, deep fryers to cook meals, video surveillance, and even metal detectors at entrances and exits. Online casino sites have less of an overhead regarding energy efficiency. They need to manage the energy requirements in the offices for things like lights, computers, and servers — that’s it.

Arguably, the most significant impact that the casino industry has on the environment is its consumption of energy. Many casinos have already begun to move as far as possible to renewable sources of energy like solar power. Not only does a move like this cut costs for the casinos, but it also cuts down on the amount of pressure placed on their local power grid. One particular casino in Las Vegas has installed enough solar panels to provide as much as 90% of their daytime power. A Michigan casino minimized energy consumption by up to 50% by installing skylights throughout their venue.

Many casino owners are already collaborating with authorities like the EPA and asking for help to minimize their carbon footprint. The EPA has released several green and energy-efficient solution resources that casinos can use to stay in line with environmental requirements, and there are several programs that casinos can join for extra guidance. Initiatives like Integrated Pest Management, WaterSense, ENERGY STAR, and Safer Choice are independent contractors who work alongside businesses to help them meet and even exceed requirements in the following areas:

When we remember that we are all connected to the world around us, it’s far easier to understand that a decision as small as the cleaning products we use can harm our environment. When a business as big as a brick-and-mortar casino remembers this fact, it can bring about real change. Many casinos have hired custodial maintenance companies that only use green cleaning solutions. As opposed to traditional cleaning products and processes that involve lots of energy and lots of harsh chemicals making their way into the ocean or water table, these cleaning solutions are environmentally sound. If you work for an online casino, suggest switching to a green cleaning service, or that maintenance only purchases biodegradable cleaning products.

Casinos in Las Vegas are moving toward less single-use plastics, and reusable metal cups and glasses, which is cutting down on waste.

A casino in China has removed all single-use straws and plastic takeout packaging, which has brought change to the tune of 860,000 straws and 470,000 boxes over the course of a year.

While reusable items require much more of the casino’s staff’s energy to clean and maintain, it’s clear that making the switch makes a huge difference in just one location. Switching from cheap plastics to more environmentally safe packaging like cardboard and paper will add to outgoing costs now. Still, it will pay off in slowed (and hopefully reversed) global warming and environmental degradation effects.

Since all major casinos have at least one restaurant attached to their premises, the question of food waste becomes an important one. A certain level of food waste is part and parcel of the restaurant industry. Still, there are ways to mitigate and dispose of that waste that can improve the sustainability rating of your favorite casino. One resort casino chain has a deal with a pig farm in their area to reconstitute their food waste as pig food — so far, over 7,600 tons worth. Casinos are adjusting buffet offerings and hours and even offering guests smaller plates so that they can consume everything they choose in one sitting. Again, this isn’t just about environmental sustainability but financial health too — lost food is lost money.

When a financial behemoth like the casino industry takes the time to find out where it can do better, it’s inspiring and helpful for all the companies in its orbit to see. Let’s use the green-ification of the casino industry as an example and a guide for how every industry can take better care of our planet.

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